How Robots Are Helping Clean Up Milwaukee Beaches

Milwaukee has introduced a high-tech solution to tackle plastic pollution on its beaches and waterways. The city is deploying two types of robots, BeBot and PixieDrone, to collect plastic waste. The initiative is a collaboration between Milwaukee Riverkeeper, a local nonprofit dedicated to achieving swimmable and fishable waters, and Meijer, a Midwest-based grocery store chain.

The BeBot operates on land and sand, while the PixieDrone navigates the water waves to collect trash. According to Milwaukee Riverkeeper ’s Cheryl Nenn , the robots will clean up the floatable plastic that gets stuck behind piers and the riverwalk. The machines sort through rocks and trash, leaving harmful plastics on the beach for volunteers to pick up.

The problem of plastic pollution is significant in Milwaukee’s waterways. Jennifer Bolger Breceda , executive director of the Milwaukee Riverkeeper, told WISN that over 90% of the waste removed from the waterways every year is single-use plastic. The robots will enhance beach cleanups, extending to beaches across Milwaukee County, with cleanings happening once every week through October.

The initiative is not just about cleaning up the environment but also about raising public awareness of the issue. The plastic collected will be analyzed to provide vital information about pollution sources and pathways. This data will help government, industry, communities and consumers work together to end plastic waste.