In Vermont, Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) conducts leading edge research in sensors, geotechnology, and robotics. ARA, an international technology solutions company with a Randolph manufacturing and research center, is focused on advancing innovations that improve safety, security, and quality of life across markets including national security, infrastructure, health, energy, and environment.
Last year, ARA reached out to University of Vermont (UVM) to explore a new research partnership. ARA was interested in whether our microscopic robots – microbots – might provide a new way to remove microplastics from water. Now we are teaming up with UVM to tackle microplastics.
Microplastics – tiny plastic particles that pollute the environment – have invaded Vermont’s waterways. Their impact on aquatic life and ecosystems is concerning, but so is their impact on human health. Emerging research suggests they may be negatively affecting cardiovascular and digestive systems in our bodies. Because of their size, microplastics are particularly difficult to find and to remove.
For years, ARA has worked toward the development of microbots for less invasive medical procedures and targeted drug delivery. Now, researchers hope to leverage this same nanotechnology to address increasingly pressing environmental concerns like microplastics.
Read more about the partnership here.
