Collecting Solid Waste from Polluted Waters using 'Waste Shark Mega Box' Robot
A high school Science Investigatory Project (SIP) exploring a low-cost, DIY radio-controlled waste-collecting robot built with a storage box and RC hobby parts to collect floating plastic trash and PPEs from calm waters.
Abstract & Executive Summary
The widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and rapid growth in e-commerce packaging during COVID-19 significantly burdened water systems. This Science Investigatory Project presents the 'Waste Shark Mega Box' (WSM) robot—a low-cost, radio-controlled catamaran-style vessel built using repurposed household containers (MegaBox 58L), high-efficiency brushless propulsion, and integrated mesh entrapment. Engineered as an accessible DIY robotics initiative under PHP 3,700, the prototype targets autonomous and manual floating solid waste capture in calm rivers, ponds, and drainage waterways.
Background & Theoretical Context
Plastic waste and discarded personal protective gear have caused severe disruption in urban and rural aquatic ecosystems. While industrial marine cleaning drones (such as RanMarine's WasteShark) provide effective autonomous water cleaning, their high commercial acquisition costs make them inaccessible for community-scale cleanup. This investigatory project bridges that gap by engineering a cost-effective, high-buoyancy RC aquatic robot capable of navigating surface currents and trapping floating debris with minimal financial barrier.
Methodology & Experimental Procedure
1. Hull Architecture & Sizing
Utilized a durable 58-liter high-impact MegaBox storage chassis (66.5 cm × 45 cm × 26.5 cm) fitted with a 33.25 cm hydrodynamic wedge bow to ensure smooth navigation.
2. Propulsion & Electronics Integration
Equipped with a high-torque brushless motor, stainless steel driveshaft, metal marine propeller, Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), and high-discharge 4S/5S LiPo battery.
3. Radio Control & Rudder Servo
Integrated a multi-channel RF transmitter and receiver unit paired with a high-torque waterproof servo mechanism for precise omnidirectional maneuverability.
4. Passive Waste Entrapment Net
Constructed an open-flow central channel lined with fine marine mesh that permits fluid passthrough while trapping plastic bottles, PPE masks, and surface debris.
Empirical Findings & Data
Top Speed of 10 km/h
Brushless motor and metallic propeller propulsion achieved speeds up to 10 km/h across calm bodies of water.
50 kg Max Payload Capacity
High-volume 58-liter displacement provides buoyant stability supporting up to 50 kg of distributed load and collected waste.
2-Hour Continuous Run Time
High-capacity 4S/5S battery system provides up to 2 hours of constant remote-controlled skimming and waste collection.
Affordable DIY Budget (PHP 3,699)
Total production cost was strictly maintained under PHP 3,700 (PHP 462.04 per student across 8 group members).
Conclusions
Viable Low-Cost Aquatic Cleanup
The Waste Shark Mega Box robot proves that functional, high-capacity surface waste collection can be achieved using affordable commercial off-the-shelf and repurposed materials.
Accessible Community Prototyping
The modular RC architecture serves as an open blueprint for educational investigatory robotics and localized river sanitation initiatives.
Recommendations
Sensory & Autonomous Navigation
Incorporate ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR, and GPS return-to-home fail-safes for obstacle avoidance and fully automated waypoint cleaning.
Water Quality Sensing Array
Integrate onboard water quality sensors (pH, turbidity, and temperature probes) to record ecological diagnostics while clearing trash.
Bill of Materials & Cost Analysis
| Component / Item | Qty | Source / Spec | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Box Chassis (66.5 × 45 cm, 58L) | 1 unit | Lazada | PHP 199.00 |
| High-Torque Brushless Motor | 1 unit | Lazada | PHP 573.00 |
| Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) | 1 unit | Lazada | PHP 240.00 |
| 4S / 5S LiPo Battery | 1 pack | Lazada | PHP 288.00 |
| Metal Marine Propeller | 1 unit | Lazada | PHP 1,117.00 |
| Stainless Steel Drive Shaft | 1 unit | Lazada | PHP 110.00 |
| Waterproof Steering Servo | 1 unit | Lazada | PHP 200.06 |
| 2.4GHz Receiver & Transmitter | 1 set | Lazada | PHP 862.02 |
| Marine Fishnet Mesh | 1 unit | Lazada | PHP 110.00 |
Experimental Documentation & Figures
Fig 1.1 — 3D Isometric Hull Architecture
Rendered 3D CAD schematic of the open-channel catamaran hull built inside the MegaBox chassis.
Fig 1.2 — Lateral Side Profile & Dimensions
Side elevation indicating 66.5 cm length, 26.5 cm depth, rear propeller placement, and internal collection bed.
Fig 1.3 — Top-Down Structural Blueprint
Top projection showing 45 cm beam width and the 33.25 cm aerodynamic/hydrodynamic nose cone.
Fig 1.4 — Component Wiring & Electronics Schematic
Wiring diagram connecting the 4S/5S battery, ESC, brushless motor, steering servo, receiver, and transmitter.
Research Paper & Data Repository
Peer-reviewed manuscripts, raw data spreadsheets, and supplementary materials.