BluePoint, a groundbreaking phone app developed by UL CRIS researchers is set to revolutionize the fight against marine plastic pollution. Created under the EU-funded BluePoint Project, the app employs drones, AI, and remote sensing technologies to detect, map, and facilitate the recycling of plastic waste along Ireland’s extensive coastline.
According to Professor Gerard Dooly, Co-Director of UL’s Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS), the app enables real-time identification of plastic waste hotspots, using infrared (IR), multispectral imaging, and LiDAR. “Anyone with a suitable drone can scan an area, upload the data, and help pinpoint pollution,” he explained. Commercial partners plan to use the collected plastic for recycling, fostering a circular economy.
With an intuitive interface and augmented reality (AR) mode, BluePoint allows users to visualize plastic waste in real-time, enhancing public awareness and engagement. Jose Alvarez, a team member, emphasized that BluePoint is more than an app—it’s a powerful environmental tool that empowers communities to keep coastlines plastic-free.
BluePoint was showcased at the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme General Assembly, held at UL on October 1–2, where eleven project partners gathered to review progress and upcoming initiatives. Highlights included:
Development of a marine plastic drone detection system A dashboard tracking technology trends and business models Public awareness campaigns in Guimarães, Portugal First recycled marine plastic materials
On Day 2, the team demonstrated live drone detection of plastic waste at Spanish Point, followed by a real-world test of the BluePoint app through a beach clean-up activity.
Get Involved!
Download BluePoint today:
iOS: Download here Android: Download here
For more information, visit BluePoint Project.
