At Clinch Park in Traverse City, a small crowd watches a whirring machine inch its way though the sand. This new tool to reduce plastic pollution will soon be seen on more beaches.
The remote-controlled vehicle is called a “BeBot,” and its design is inspired by machines used to search for land mines.
“It really is like a small little mini tank, and it has wheels that will help it turn all the way around,” said Christine Crissman with the Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay.
In tow behind the mini tank is a sifter that collects bits of plastic while returning sand to the beach.
“Those little pieces are the ones that are going to be hard for people who are walking around to just notice and pick up,” Crissman said. “Those are the ones that have the biggest impact when they do get into the water – those smaller pieces that can get ingested or go down to the bottom.”
The BeBot was manufactured by Searial Cleaners. It was purchased by the Watershed Center using funds donated by Meijer.
The Watershed Center will use the new device on all of Traverse City’s public beaches this spring. Crissman said she hopes to later expand the BeBots services to other communities near Grand Traverse Bay.
