Healthy Seas, Hyundai & TUM Bring Marine Conservation Education to Life with a Mobile Robotics Lab
The Healthy Seas Foundation has joined forces with TUM (Technische Universität München) and Hyundai Motor Europe to present a unique educational experience that blends environmental protection with technology. Designed to inspire young minds and empower the next generation of ocean advocates, the hands-on event demonstrated how robotics and mobility innovations can support real-world marine conservation. Paired with a lake cleanup and marine conservation session, this day was a real success for ocean protection!
Held at Hollerner Lake in Bavaria, the program welcomed 30 students from the Therese-Giehse-Realschule in Munich for an immersive workshop exploring how advanced robots and Hyundai technologies are helping tackle environmental challenges across Europe.
Bringing Innovation Into the Field
At the heart of the event was Hyundai’s pioneering Svan, a mobile environmental laboratory built inside a Hyundai STARIA van. Developed in collaboration with the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) at TUM, the SVan serves as a platform for deploying aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic robots for environmental fieldwork.
Hands-On Learning That Sparks Curiosity
The workshop introduced students to robotics far beyond the household, e.g. automatic vacuum cleaners, devices they were familiar with. Under guidance from Hyundai, MIRMI researchers, and Healthy Seas educators, they took part in interactive sessions that explored:
- How robotics can enhance field research
- The role of mobility in tackling environmental challenges
- Real-world marine and freshwater clean-up operations
- The broader importance of ocean and lake conservation
Students tested TUM’s advanced robots themselves, gaining first-hand experience in controlling and understanding the systems.
“The students had only known household robots before, so it was very exciting for them to control TUM’s advanced robots. They also found it very pleasant to be outside in the fresh air, it really did them good.”
— Sophie Steuer, Teacher, Therese-Giehse-Realschule
The Robots of the Future
As part of the workshop, the students also took part in a creative exercise, imagining robots of the future that could help save the Earth from litter. This activity encouraged them to think boldly about how technology and environmental stewardship can be combined. From robots that collect floating waste before it reaches the ocean to intelligent machines that transform rubbish into reusable materials, the children’s ideas showcased both innovation and optimism. The exercise not only sparked creativity but also deepened their understanding of how future technologies could play an essential role in protecting the planet.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
The collaboration between Hyundai, TUM, and Healthy Seas builds upon a long-running partnership aimed at protecting marine environments across Europe. While Healthy Seas focuses on removing marine litter and abandoned fishing gear, Hyundai strengthens these efforts through sustainable innovation and mobility solutions, from the SVan to its IONIQ reforestation drone stations.
By embracing emerging technologies like autonomous cleanup robots, we can imagine a future where dedicated volunteers and smart innovations work hand in hand to protect the waters.
