My team is making a robot that helps to clean an archeology site after sudden and harsh weather events to help improve the overall safety of archeologists, would this really be helpful? (Elliot, 15)

Hello Elliot,

Such a robot would be very helpful but it might be quite hard to design!

After bad weather, archaeologists spend an awful amount of time having to clean sites: we usually use hoes to clear the mud/silt that covers the features as some sites can be fragile and the use of machines can be quite destructive.

A robot that could help with this cleaning process would be very helpful but it would need to be able to detect sensitive features below so as not to damage them. It would also need to be able to tread on the ground lightly, without causing ruts. And lastly, it would need to be equipped with the appropriate ‘cleaning attributes’ that would be delicate enough to deal with sensitive features and materials.

Do you think your team can create such a robot? If so I am very much looking forward to seeing it!

Odile, March 2026

Answered by:

Odile Rouard

Hello, my name is Odile Rouard. I’ve always been interested in archaeology and the understanding of ancient cultures, since I started reading Greek mythology as a child.

I have been working as a professional archaeologist for many years and am looking forward to answering any questions you have about archaeology.

I graduated from York University and have worked on excavations in France, in Ireland and in England of course; I even helped train students in field archaeology on a Silk Road citadel in Kazakhstan!
I have just moved to Orkney to start a new adventure and am now taking part in Viking tours and helping children discover archaeology.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Odile

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