About the ORCAS System

ORCAS was created by Maristela Clare Sandoval, Chloe Anne San Pedro and Tiffany Jin Suga, visionary innovators from De La Salle Lipa, Philippines. Their groundbreaking work has earned recognition through the James Dyson Award and multiple international forums.

Creator & Vision

ORCAS was created by Maristela Clare Sandoval, a visionary innovator from De La Salle Lipa, Philippines. Her groundbreaking work has earned recognition through the James Dyson Award and multiple international forums.

The Inspiration

The creator was deeply moved by the impact of oil spills in countries like the Philippines and Japan, which have rich marine biodiversity and communities reliant on the sea. Traditional cleanup methods are often slow, wasteful, and risky. This led to the vision of a self-operating robot that could navigate, detect, and clean using safe, natural materials, combining coconut husk and mica with AI for a smarter, safer, and more sustainable solution.

How ORCAS Works

ORCAS employs cutting-edge technology including machine learning and advanced sensor systems to scan and locate oil slicks. The suction mechanism efficiently collects oil, which is then filtered through innovative coconut husk and mica powder layers. A central control system dynamically adjusts operations based on real-time environmental conditions, making ORCAS adaptable to different climates and oil types.

AI Detection Machine learning algorithms locate oil spills with precision
Natural Filtration Coconut husk and mica powder provide biodegradable oil absorption
Adaptive Control Central system adjusts to environmental conditions in real-time

Recognition & Achievements

ORCAS has achieved remarkable milestones: ₱50K Grant from 3 Minute Research Challenge, presentation at the Wakasa Forum in Japan, National Delegate for DICT Startup Challenge, and finalist status at various international forums. In simulated tests, ORCAS demonstrated the ability to recover over 57% of oil, showcasing its effectiveness in marine cleanup operations.

Future Roadmap

The future roadmap includes open-sea testing in the Philippines and Japan, upgrading navigation algorithms for enhanced efficiency, seeking partnerships with environmental agencies worldwide, and scaling the technology for global deployment to protect our oceans.