Collection System
Our robot collects algae through its textured frontal cylinder as well as angled flotation devices. These devices function to provide buoyancy as the robot collects more algae and its mass increases, as well as to guide algae from a wide area into the concentrated skimming system. Once the algae reaches the cylinder, it is directed into the hollow back section of the robot to be stored. Additionally, we imagine having a semi-permeable material at the back of this holding tank so water can escape and only Cyanobacteria is collected. This will maximize the amount that is collected before the robot detects that it must return to its port to be emptied.
In action:
Once the robot detects and approaches a site of large cyanobacterial mass and growth, the skimming cylinder will turn on and begin pushing the surface contents of the water into its storage area. Additionally, the flotation devices will concentrate a large area of cyanobacteria into the cylinder so the robot clears an area much wider than itself. Then, inside the holding container of the robot, water will be able to escape through this permeable layer whereas the cyanobacteria are trapped and concentrated where they are stored until collection.