Related REMEDIES Pillars: Detection and Monitoring, Prevention and Zero-Waste Solutions
Partner(s)/Owner(s): MCGREECE
Made for: Researchers, water sports enthusiasts, fishermen, divers, hikers, elderly individuals, marine companies, and transportation businesses.
What is Nautiloc?
Nautiloc is an innovative buoy-based GPS tracking system designed to monitor the movement of plastic litter in seas and rivers, helping to detect plastic hotspots and understand the factors influencing their dispersion. The buoys used in the REMEDIES project replicate common plastic litter items such as bottles and boxes in both size and weight. These buoys are deployed in marine environments and rivers across Northern Greece, where their movements are tracked for up to two years. Their positions are recorded every 12 hours via an online GPS platform, providing valuable insights into their trajectories and final destinations. This technology plays a crucial role in addressing plastic pollution by enhancing the understanding of waste pathways and informing targeted cleanup efforts.
Developed by MCGREECE, Nautiloc aims to provide a sustainable and effective solution for environmental monitoring and pollution prevention.
Impact: What Challenges Does This Technology Address?
Nautiloc addresses critical challenges related to plastic pollution and environmental monitoring:
- Plastic Litter Tracking: By simulating real plastic waste, the technology offers precise data on how plastic litter travels in water bodies.
- Plastic Hotspot Detection: Nautiloc helps identify accumulation zones, aiding in more effective waste management strategies.
- Research and Policy Development: The collected data supports scientific research and informs policy-making to mitigate marine pollution.
- Environmental Awareness: The visibility of the tracked plastic movements raises awareness among stakeholders and the general public about the urgent need for pollution control measures.
This solution aligns with the pillars of the REMEDIES program — Prevention and Zero-Waste Solutions, Detection and Monitoring.
Unique Value Proposition: What Makes This Technology Stand Out?
Nautiloc’s GPS tracking system offers several unique advantages:
- Compact and Lightweight Design: The GPS device within the buoy measures between 4 to 8 cm and weighs only 80 to 140 grams, making it highly portable and easy to deploy.
- Long Battery Life: Equipped with a 6600mAh battery, the device can operate for up to 5 years on a single charge, with an overall lifespan of 15 years.
- Waterproof Capability: The buoy is designed with IP67 waterproof certification, ensuring reliable performance in harsh marine environments.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Constructed using environmentally friendly materials, the buoy poses no harm to the ecosystem even if left in the water for prolonged periods.
- User-Friendly Tracking Platform: Data can be accessed via a dedicated web platform or through Android and iOS applications, allowing real-time monitoring.
- Efficient Design: The buoy is engineered to maintain optimal GPS signal positioning despite environmental factors such as waves and wind, ensuring accurate data collection.
These features collectively make Nautiloc a robust and efficient solution for tracking plastic waste and other objects in aquatic environments.
User: Who Can Benefit from This Technology?
Nautiloc benefits a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers studying plastic waste movement, water sports enthusiasts and fishermen ensuring safety, scuba divers and hikers requiring tracking capabilities, elderly individuals for personal safety, and marine companies and transportation businesses monitoring fleet movement. The technology provides invaluable data to environmental agencies and policymakers, enabling targeted interventions and fostering sustainable waste management practices.
Exploitation Pathway: How Will This Technology Be Put Into Action?
The exploitation pathway for Nautiloc includes the following approaches:
- Research Collaborations: Partnering with academic institutions and environmental organizations to expand research initiatives.
- Commercial Applications: Offering tracking solutions to marine and transportation companies.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Engaging local communities and stakeholders to highlight the impact of plastic pollution.
- Rental Services: Providing flexible rental options for short-term tracking projects.
- Integration with Cleanup Efforts: Collaborating with NGOs and government agencies to integrate Nautiloc into marine litter cleanup operations.
Through these strategies, Nautiloc aims to establish itself as a key tool in marine pollution prevention and environmental conservation.
Discover More
Learn more about MCGREECE, a leading REMEDIES program partner, here.
Read related articles about Nautiloc:
Stay tuned!
Explore the Marketplace Page for the REMEDIES Shoreline Marine Litter App v.1.0– available soon!
Watch the Technology Presentation of YouTube – available soon!
