The most famous pond in the Netherlands will now be maintained by a remote-controlled robot. The municipality of The Hague has deployed a remotely operated Jellyfishbot to collect and remove litter from the Hofvijver near the Binnenhof.
“Unfortunately, too much waste still ends up in the Hofvijver. This is detrimental to the water quality and all the plants and animals in and around the water,” said alderman Robert Barker to Omroep West.
“We are doing our best to keep this historic piece of water in the middle of the city clean. This innovative robot can make a valuable contribution to that.” The Hofvijver, which is rarely deeper than a meter, attracts litter.
A few years ago, the characteristic pond was also filled with green sludge due to unwanted algae growth. Until now, the municipality tried to keep the Hofvijver clean by deploying a manned waste boat once a week, which ran on polluting diesel.
The Hague aims to achieve multiple goals with the bright yellow, electric robot. The boat emits no greenhouse gases, is much more maneuverable than its predecessor, and can even detect and collect tiny waste particles in nets for safe disposal.
Equipped with underwater equipment, it can also map the pond’s bottom. The robot is unaffected by bad weather, as the operator can work remotely from indoors.
The municipality is currently conducting a one-year trial. If successful, the robot may be used in more locations in The Hague.
Source: NOS