Telefónica Tech Deploys Drones to Tackle Marine Waste in Palma

Telefónica Tech, in partnership with LEANpio, has launched a one-month pilot project to clean up marine waste in Palma’s port during the Copa del Rey sailing regatta. Commissioned by the Real Club Náutico de Palma, the initiative uses a 100% electric, autonomous aquatic drone equipped with IoT connectivity, LiDAR, and a video camera.

Capable of collecting up to 500 kilograms of floating waste daily, the drone covers 24 kilometers with eight hours of autonomy.

The project also includes a microplastics sensor developed by Leitat under the EU-funded ILIAD initiative, using AI and photonic technologies to identify and quantify microplastics. The effort aims to demonstrate the environmental potential of smart technologies and promote cleaner coastal ecosystems.