Underwater Robot in Desenzano del Garda for Environmental Protection

A submarine robot has recently been employed in Desenzano del Garda to map the waste present on the lakebed, as part of a project by WWF in collaboration with the Department of Information Engineering at the University of Pisa. The robot, named “ZENO,” is an autonomous vehicle designed to explore lake depths systematically and safely. Equipped with multispectral sensors, sonar, and high-resolution cameras, ZENO has already begun to identify and geolocate submerged waste, under the supervision of Paolo Zanollo, the WWF representative for the Garda area in Bergamo Brescia. This initiative goes beyond mere reconnaissance: the data collected serves as a vital scientific resource for assessing water pollution levels and the impact of waste on aquatic ecosystems. The information obtained will contribute to advanced studies and targeted remediation efforts, while also supporting awareness activities regarding proper waste disposal. The preliminary mapping conducted in the lower lake could serve as a replicable model for other Italian and European lakes, thereby promoting environmental protection through technological innovation. Italian Version