Home / TOP STORIES / German Researchers Develop AI Systems to Detect Plastic in Oceans
Plastic trash lying on a beach in Ko Sih Chang. The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) is developing several AI systems that can help detect plastic waste floating on the surfaces of the world's oceans.(PHOTO: Christoph Sator/dpa)

German Researchers Develop AI Systems to Detect Plastic in Oceans

The German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) is developing several AI systems that can help detect plastic waste floating on the surfaces of the world’s oceans.

As part of the PlasticObs+ project, technology is to be attached to surveillance aircraft to monitor the oceans. According to the centre, the first test flights were satisfactory.

The DFKI’s long-term goal is to equip surveillance aircraft that are in use worldwide with AI-supported sensor technology. This would allow for the continuous and comprehensive inventory of plastic waste for the first time.

The project, led by the research centre, is funded by the German government with €1.9 million ($2.03 billion) over three years.

“We expect to have an operational prototype by the end of the project in March 2025,” said project leader Christoph Tholen.

A timetable for the development of the technology to market maturity has not yet been set.

Check Also

Allianz to Allow Use of Used Parts in Auto Repair

The Allianz insurance company will allow cars in Germany to be repaired with used spare ...