Sheco tackles algae blooms and harbor trash with its 'robot vacuum for water'

Water-purification robot startup Sheco is expanding public-sector trials after joining the government’s first robot purchase and demonstration program.

It is working with the Korea Coast Guard, the Jeonnam regional office of the Korea Rural Community Corporation, the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, and Incheon Port Authority.

The company will test algae-removal modules at reservoirs and marine-debris collection modules at ports through the end of the year.

The push shows how robots and AI could reduce dangerous cleanup work and improve management of water pollution and marine waste as public infrastructure.