Overview
- The sneaker-sized, remote-controlled prototype runs for roughly 15 minutes per charge and stores recovered oil in an onboard chamber.
- A specialized coating grows microscopic, sea urchin‑like spikes that trap air so water rolls off while oil adheres, avoiding filter waterlogging.
- Controlled tests showed selective separation with high purity, confirming the concept for surface oil collection without harsh chemicals.
- The research is published in the journal Small, with key materials development credited to PhD researcher Surya Kanta Ghadei.
- RMIT engineers plan field testing, long-term durability studies, and scale-up to larger autonomous units, and they are seeking industry partners for deployment.