Robert Downey Jr wants to clean up the Earth using robots

'Between robotics and nanotechnology, we could clean up the planet significantly, if not totally, in 10 years,' says the Iron Man star

(Rex)

Robert Downey Jr. claims to have a plan to save the planet using robots, though he says he is not yet ready to reveal it.

The actor, who is best known for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel movie series Avengers, unveiled a new initiative he is spearheading at Amazon's Re:Mars conference in Las Vegas this week.

"I was at a table with super smart, impressive, expert folks about six months ago, and the following statement was made: 'Between robotics and nanotechnology, we could probably clean up the planet significantly, if not totally, in 10 years," he said.

"Being essentially a 54-year-old child, I said, 'Let's do it! Let's commit to a process, let's form a coalition.' And that did not inspire the reaction I expected. It was dead silence."

Not put off by the reaction, Downey Jr said he had set up an organisation to achieve this ambition called the Footprint Coalition, which will launch in April next year.

Few details were revealed about how the organisation will make use of technology to save the environment, but the Hollywood star said he had been in talks with artificial intelligence experts.

Downey Jr said he had been inspired to launch the initiative after reflecting on his own personal impact on the planet, describing himself as a "one-man-carbon-footprint-nightmare-colossus".

Having finished playing Iron Man and with no other major film projects lined up, Downey Jr said he hopes to dedicate himself to the project full-time.

"I know it's a kumbaya-type dream... I'm down with dedicating myself to maybe one small part of making good on that statement. Even in abject failure, it's still the best idea I've ever had," he said.

"In 11 years, when I'm 65, if we've made even a little dent in what I think is a massive threat to our future and the mess we leave behind, I'm going to come back and throw the nuttiest retirement party you've ever seen."