JEMBER — Jember State Polytechnic (Polije) is developing a solar-powered robotic boat to collect floating waste from rivers. The innovation combines solar panels with an ESP32 WROOM controller to support more environmentally friendly river-cleaning operations.

The project is part of the 2026 capstone project undertaken by students in the Mechatronics Engineering Technology Study Program. The team consists of Achmad Bagus Budiyono, Syahroel Fatchurrozi, Bayu Wira Pradhana Kurniawan, and M. Ilham Jaya Kusuma, under the supervision of lecturer Salsabila Liandra Putri, S.KM., M.K.K.K.

The robotic boat integrates an ESP32 WROOM control system with solar panels as its energy source. In addition, a conveyor mechanism automatically lifts floating waste into the boat’s storage compartment.

“We designed this river-cleaning robotic boat to use renewable energy from solar panels so that cleaning operations can be more environmentally friendly,” said Salsabila Liandra Putri.

The team tested the device in the waters of the Curah Malang River. The trials formed part of the evaluation process to assess the control system and waste-collection mechanism.

“Testing in the Curah Malang River helped us evaluate the robot’s performance, particularly the conveyor system and ESP32 WROOM control system,” she explained.

The solar panels support the use of renewable energy, while the conveyor facilitates waste collection. Together, these features offer a potential technological alternative for improving river cleanliness.

“We hope this innovation can continue to be developed to help address waste in waterways and support environmental conservation,” she added.

Through this project, Polije encourages students to develop appropriate technologies that address environmental challenges. Further development and testing will be needed to assess the robot’s ability to handle different types and volumes of waste.