NVIDIA’s technology is making a meaningful impact in environmental conservation through its partnership with Clearbot, an innovative startup focused on cleaning waterways. Founded by University of Hong Kong graduates Sidhant Gupta and Utkarsh Goel, Clearbot designs autonomous trash-collecting boats powered by NVIDIA’s energy-efficient Jetson Xavier. These boats, which are made from eco-friendly materials like empty water bottles and helicopter blades, are equipped with AI technology that enables them to autonomously navigate and identify waste, helping to remove plastic pollution from rivers and lakes before it reaches the ocean. Since launching in 2021, Clearbot has successfully deployed these boats in Hong Kong and India, removing thousands of tons of waste, while running entirely on renewable energy.
What sets Clearbot apart is its ability to collect waste 100% emissions-free, using solar-powered boats that can operate for up to eight hours on a single charge. This approach dramatically reduces the need for traditional diesel-powered boats, which often require large crews to manually remove garbage. With Clearbot, a small team can operate up to 150 boats, improving efficiency and significantly increasing the amount of waste collected. As a member of the NVIDIA Inception program, Clearbot is now leveraging its technology to address broader environmental issues, from tracking pollution sources to assisting in marine pollution control. This collaboration demonstrates how AI can not only help clean up the planet but also provide crucial data that aids in the prevention of future pollution.
