The remote-controlled BeBot can sift sand for plastic, glass and other debris hidden beneath the surface. Beachgoers visiting a Lake Erie shoreline could find themselves soaking up the sun alongside some unusual company in the sand over the next several weeks. Although beaches may appear free of debris, plastic fragments, pieces of glass and other small materials often sit below the surface or are too small to be seen, Stand said in an emailed statement. “The BeBot helps uncover and remove hidden debris that would otherwise go unnoticed or be difficult to detect with the naked eye,” he said. The robot can collect discarded material buried up to 10 centimetres beneath the sand and has recovered unusual items, including firework debris, earplugs, toys, and fishing and hunting gear.