Idea:
The project envisions an automated waste sorting system using sensor technologies and robotics. By streamlining sorting processes, the project aims to optimize resource recovery, enhance recycling efficiency, and contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing the impact of improper waste disposal. We decided to focus on this during our Innovation School residency.
Problem Statement:
The current waste sorting process consists of inefficiencies that contribute to environmental concerns, like heightened pollution. The recognition that the current approach is harmful to nature, highlights the urgency for a solution to streamline waste management, improve resource recovery, and minimize the environmental impact of improper waste disposal.
Solutions brainstorming
Firstly we came up with an idea which implements a machine learning algorithm and computer vision to detect the kind of waste that it was seeing. BUt since this would need a lot of data to train the model, we decided against it. Then we settled on using sensors to do all the detecting work.
Final Solution:
Our team waste sorting system is smart and simple. It uses a conveyor system, and an inductive proximity sensor (detects metal) and a moisture sensor (detects wet waste) and a servo motor that will push the waste off of the conveyor based on the type detected by the sensors. The conveyor belt is made using foam and should (ideally) be attached to itself on the other end by stitching. All of this is placed on a strong, lasercut, plywood frame. We used ball bearings, a 3D-printed coupling and a PVC pipe to make the conveyor rotate.