New solar-powered robot to clean up waste on Canada's beach parks

The article introduces BeBot, a new solar-powered, remote-controlled robot designed to clean beach parks in Ontario by sifting sand to remove debris such as plastic, metal, and glass. Developed through a partnership between the environmental nonprofit Pollution Probe and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, BeBot can clean up to 32,000 square feet per hour and operate for eight hours continuously. Its primary goal is to capture larger plastic waste before it breaks down into harmful microplastics that threaten aquatic wildlife and potentially enter human food chains. BeBot also collects data on the types and sources of plastic pollution, which can inform future policies and consumer behaviors. BeBot’s deployment began at Lake Simcoe’s Sibbald Point Provincial Park and will continue through several other provincial parks along the Great Lakes, including locations on Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Beyond its cleanup function, BeBot serves as a visible educational tool, engaging the public in conversations about plastic pollution and environmental responsibility. This