Razer and ClearBot are using AI and robotics to clean the oceans

Razer Partners with ClearBot to Deploy AI and Robotics for Ocean Pollution Reduction

In celebration of World Oceans Day, Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, has joined forces with ClearBot, a marine waste cleaning startup, to advance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in combating ocean pollution. This collaboration is part of Razer’s 10-year #GoGreenWithRazer campaign, which focuses on making green investments to support environment- and sustainability-focused startups.

The partnership aims to address the critical issue of plastic pollution, with approximately eight million metric tons of plastic being dumped into the oceans each year. ClearBot’s innovative AI and advanced machine learning technology, coupled with Razer’s commitment to environmental sustainability, will enable governments and organizations worldwide to enhance their efforts in promoting a cleaner and safer environment.

Patricia Liu, Chief of Staff at Razer, expressed her enthusiasm for working with a startup dedicated to environmental conservation. She emphasized that ClearBot’s unique AI capabilities will empower global entities to expand their sustainability initiatives. Liu also encouraged other innovative startups to explore collaboration opportunities with Razer, emphasizing their joint commitment to creating a safer world for future generations.

The consequences of ocean pollution are far-reaching, with microplastics entering the food chain and releasing harmful chemicals into the sea as they break down due to wave action and sun exposure. Furthermore, the rise of hypoxic ‘dead’ zones—areas with severely low oxygen levels where marine life suffocates and dies—poses a significant threat. The number of these zones has increased drastically, with scientists identifying 146 zones in 2004, 405 in 2008, and, in 2017, discovering a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico equivalent to the size of New Jersey.

ClearBot specializes in designing robots that utilize AI-powered computer vision to identify and retrieve marine waste for responsible disposal. These robots will play a crucial role in addressing the issue of ocean pollution effectively. ClearBot’s Chief Executive Officer, Sidhant Gupta, expressed gratitude for Razer’s action-oriented approach to solving marine waste problems. Gupta also stated that the newly formed partnership will extend ClearBot’s reach globally, starting with collaborations with marine harbor operators in Asia and NGOs that have already shown interest in their technology.

To further improve the waste-detection capabilities of ClearBot’s AI algorithm, the company is encouraging the community to contribute by uploading photos of marine plastic waste commonly found in open waters through their website. This crowdsourcing initiative will enhance the robot’s ability to identify and retrieve marine debris accurately.

The collaboration between Razer and ClearBot represents a significant step forward in the fight against ocean pollution. By combining Razer’s support and resources with ClearBot’s innovative technology, the partners are poised to make a positive and lasting impact on the preservation of marine ecosystems worldwide.