Discover how two eighth-grade students designed a cutting-edge ocean cleanup robot to remove microplastics, showcasing the future of marine robotics education and environmental conservation.

A Classroom Beyond the Ocean

In the heart of the Sonoran Desert lies Harvest Preparatory Academy in Yuma, Arizona—a place where ocean research thrives despite its arid surroundings. Here, two passionate eighth-grade students, Adriel Magana and Brandon Miranda, embarked on a mission to combat one of the world’s pressing environmental issues: microplastic pollution in waterways.

The Birth of MP Guard

Through the FIRST LEGO League Innovation Project, a global STEM program, Magana and Miranda were challenged to devise solutions addressing oceanic problems. Their dedication over six months culminated in the creation of MP Guard, a compact robot roughly the size of a notebook. This innovative device is engineered to extract microplastics from water, safeguarding marine life and human health by preventing these tiny pollutants from entering the food chain.

How It Works

MP Guard operates by skimming the water surface, utilizing a combination of cylinders and a sharp-toothed ratchet mechanism to collect particles. These particles are then trapped using a sustainable coconut husk fiber filter, effectively removing even the smallest microplastics invisible to the naked eye. The design’s simplicity belies its potential impact, offering a scalable and efficient solution to a growing environmental crisis.

Overcoming Challenges with Collaboration

Initially envisioned as a drone, financial constraints necessitated a shift to a stationary model. The students ingeniously repurposed everyday materials—3D-printed components, duct tape, pool noodles, and LEGO pieces—to build their prototype. Despite setbacks, including multiple design iterations and extensive testing, their perseverance paid off.

Their journey was further enriched by collaboration with ASU Professor Vernon Morris, an environmental scientist who provided invaluable guidance. This partnership not only refined MP Guard’s functionality but also inspired the students to envision broader applications of marine robotics.

The Future of Marine Robotics Education

Magana and Miranda’s success illustrates the transformative power of marine robotics education, blending hands-on projects with real-world problem-solving. Their work aligns with initiatives like ACUA Ocean’s advanced unmanned surface vessels (USVs), which represent the cutting edge of marine data collection and environmental monitoring.

ACUA Ocean is revolutionizing ocean surveillance with their Pioneer-class USVs, designed for scalability and resilience in challenging conditions. These USVs facilitate comprehensive environmental assessments and asset integrity evaluations, contributing to sustainable maritime practices globally. The synergy between educational projects like MP Guard and professional endeavors like ACUA’s USVs highlights the critical role of education in fostering the next generation of marine innovators.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The presentation of MP Guard to nearly 100 attendees, including educators and scientists, received widespread acclaim. The students’ ability to transform an initial idea into a functional prototype underscores the potential of young minds equipped with the right tools and mentorship.

Vernon Morris emphasized the importance of diversity in science, encouraging students to see themselves as future scientists regardless of their backgrounds. This inclusive approach is vital for driving innovation in marine robotics and addressing complex environmental challenges.

Conclusion

The creation of MP Guard by Adriel Magana and Brandon Miranda is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication nurtured through marine robotics education. As environmental issues escalate, empowering young innovators to develop sustainable solutions is more crucial than ever. Initiatives like the FIRST LEGO League and support from institutions like ASU ensure that the next wave of marine robotics pioneers is well-equipped to safeguard our oceans.

Join the movement towards sustainable marine management and explore advanced ocean monitoring solutions with ACUA Ocean. Learn more here.