Unmanned Surface Vehicle for Water Wastes Collection

In recent days, widespread floods and flash floods have been caused by heavy rains in various regions of Malaysia, particularly areas near the Klang Valley. It has been revealed through investigations that river flows are obstructed by overflowing garbage and solid wastes, further exacerbating the flood situation. This finding is further supported by the subpar performance of the SMART tunnel due to obstructions in irrigation and drainage channels. To address this critical issue, the development of an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) garbage collector, operated remotely or autonomously, is proposed to effectively clean Malaysian rivers. The prototype design includes four key subsystems: obstacle avoidance (SS1), coordinate detection (SS2), live-streaming video (SS3), and movement (SS4). These subsystems are crucial for efficient navigation and debris collection by the USV garbage collector. Furthermore, the prototype’s operations can be monitored and controlled by incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) technology, ensuring its effectiveness. This report delves into the detailed implementation and functionality of each subsystem and explores the potential positive impact of deploying the USV garbage collector. If successful, this innovative solution promises to mitigate flood risks, improve river health, and contribute to a cleaner and more resilient environment in Malaysia.