A group of researchers in Japan has developed an artificial intelligence-based system that automatically detects plastic and other waste on the ocean floor, which can help clean up the marine environment. — Ukrinform.
As noted, experts from the Japan Agency for Marine Geological Sciences and Technology (JAMSTEC) created this system using video recordings of previous deep-sea studies.
For more than 40 years, researchers have surveyed the seafloor around Japan using drones and other devices, according to the publication.
They selected more than 12 thousand images from the video, analyzed the shape and other characteristics of plastic garbage, and downloaded the data into a computer to train the system to recognize these objects.
According to the researchers, the system is able to recognize and count visible fragments of garbage ranging in size from 2 cm to 1 meter, but cannot detect smaller objects, including microplastics.
Scientists say that taking action to solve the problem of plastic debris accumulation on the seafloor is important because this material does not decompose and remains in the environment.
Previously, researchers had to visually identify the location and amount of garbage by repeatedly watching and stopping videos.
He added that his team plans to improve the accuracy of the artificial intelligence system and use it to respond quickly to the situation.