Autonomous Watercraft for Cleanup of Floating Waste in Water Bodies Using YOLO

The proposed work deals with the very pertinent issue of plastic waste within enclosed bodies through design and development of an innovative Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) targeted specifically towards effective debris gathering. The modular approach will draw upon a catamaran-like configuration, applying PVC hulls to provide added buoyancy and stability while introducing a modular debris collection system designed to improve capture and removal rates of floating waste. Actuated by DC motors, the controls are exercised through an ESP32 microcontroller that makes the USV equally functional in remote-controlled as well as autonomous modes. Thus, it is highly adaptable to various operational environments. In autonomous mode of operation, onboard camera has been installed so that the python-based computer vision algorithms can be utilized for real-time detection of debris and navigation accordingly to ensure that accurate collection of waste materials. It is agile yet eco-friendly solution that works efficiently under many conditions rather than just one for better plastic waste management. The USV addresses more robust automated and repeatable approaches to debris gathering, which reduce workforce intervention during remediating operations and support efforts aimed at preserving aquatic ecosystems.