Clean Earth Rovers
"Braid Theory has been a great resource for Clean Earth Rovers. The team at Braid Theory is extremely well connected through the Bluetech industry and with major stakeholders in the Los Angeles region, opening many doors for entrepreneurs. Additionally, Ann and the team hold a great deal of expertise when it comes to strategy and business development, making them a strong asset in any founder's corner as they look to grow their startup!”
On a mission to build a cleaner, more sustainable planet, Clean Earth Rovers is clearing pollutants from our oceans one autonomous vehicle at a time. Originating in Cincinnati and comprised of Xavier University alumni, Clean Earth Rovers was founded by CEO Michael Arens, COO David Constantine, and Tech Advisor Jonathan Rosales. Arens strategically established their Southern California presence, leveraging the resources provided by Braid Theory’s Blue Future Incubator in 2023 at Alta Sea at the Port of Los Angeles. This expansion granted Clean Earth Rovers crucial access to waterfront locations, extending the ability for different use cases for clean-up and port observations in Los Angeles.
Introducing the Technology
The DataPod™, a compact buoy built for comprehensive water quality assessment and baseline research. Powered by solar energy and utilizing IoT, the DataPod™ offers real-time data access and monitors crucial factors like pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels. Its versatility spans all water bodies, providing geo-tagged, time-stamped data through an intuitive app interface.
The Rover™ stands as an indispensable tool in the battle against water pollution, safeguarding against human exposure to toxins and bacteria during inspections and disaster response. Capable of efficiently absorbing oil spills and collecting up to 100 pounds of debris, it boasts a 20-hour battery life and advanced environmental monitoring capabilities. Equipped with obstacle detection spanning 150 feet, it operates both manually and autonomously, featuring an easy-empty recyclable mesh bag and wheels for effortless land transport. This comprehensive suite of technology ensures 24/7 clean water access while addressing environmental challenges head-on. Recently, The Rover™ tested its longest autonomous voyage to date in the Los Angeles Harbor at the Port of Los Angeles. Operating seamlessly beyond the line of sight, this successful expedition not only highlighted The Rover™'s versatility but also demonstrated its effectiveness in combating ocean plastic pollution.
Looking to the Future
Clean Earth Rovers plans to collaborate with Earthwise, another Blue Future Incubator start-up that utilizes repurposed surfboard dust to primarily clean hydrocarbons from coastal- waterways. This collaboration showcases Braid Theory's collaborative spirit. Ann Carpenter, Braid Theory’s Co-Founder and CEO encapsulates the collaborative business practices when she emphasizes, “Core to Braid Theory’s ethos was to really find synergies between companies and even find ways our companies can work together, and this is the perfect opportunity with the two newest companies in our incubator, Clean Earth Rovers and Earthwise.”
Author Contact
Hannah Ponce
Assistant Community Manager
06/14/2024
