CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is a developing nation in Asia. It is the currently the 12th biggest

nation in the world. This is clearly the case. The nation is quite assertive when it comes

to economic expansion led to the production and use of many items. This results in the

production of several wastes. The effects of climate change is caused by economic

expansion environmental deterioration (Yukalang et al., 2017). One of the main issues

brought on by the population's fast expansion is solid waste. Waste is being dumped on

streets, drains are being left open, and even waterways. As a result, the Philippine

government passed the Ecological Solid Waste Management (SWM) Act of 2000, also

known as Republic Act 9003, which establishes the guidelines and structure for solid

waste management (Wang et al., 2019).

An estimated 0.7 kg of weight per person per day exceeds 8,000 in Metro Manila,

tons of waste are produced daily. Additionally, it is shown in the study that the primary

source of waste (74%) and the household's 95% solid trash can be be recycled,

composted, or used again (JICA, 2019). Merely 85% of Metro Manila records the

highest collection rate, and uncollected trash is either left lying about. The majority of

the local governing bodies disregard city and/or Municipal Recovery Facilities: These

are establishments where waste materials may transfer, compost, or recycling—as

required by RA 9003 (Yukalang et al., 2017).

developing countries. This is primarily because of the rising rate of waste generation,

the financial strain that this puts on the municipal budget due to the high costs of

managing it, and the lack of knowledge about the variety of factors that affect the

various stages of waste management and the linkages that are required to enable the

entire handling system to function. (Guerrero et al., 2023)

Given that the former Zayas dumpsite was closed in April 2017, the City Local

Environment and Natural Resource Office (CLENRO) encourages Cagayan de Oro City

citizens to take part in appropriate waste segregation. Since the garbage collector is

only gathering residual waste, the wastes that they have gathered are placed in the

sanitary landfill in Barangay Pagalungan. The inhabitants of Cagayan de Oro were

forced to look at additional alternative waste management solutions after the Zayas

Landfill in Cagayan de Oro City closed in April 2017 in order to start moving away from

landfilling as their major method of disposing of waste. (Elayan et al., 2019)

In response to this pressing challenge, the integration of robotics and artificial

intelligence (AI) into waste collection systems has emerged as a promising solution.

These technologies offer the potential to revolutionize waste disposal processes,

making them more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. The

utilization of robotics and AI holds significant promise in revolutionizing waste

management processes on multiple fronts. These technologies are poised to introduce

unprecedented levels of efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in waste collection, sorting,

and disposal operations. By leveraging robotic systems equipped with AI algorithms,

waste colletion facilities can streamline their operations, optimize resource allocation,
and minimize human error, thereby enhancing overall system performance. The

problem this study tried to address was the collection and management of waste with

the use of robots. Robots can safeguard the environment and maintain a tidy, sanitary

neighborhood. (Chandra et al.,2021)

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this research is to develop a human-assisted robotic

solution for human garbage disposal, aiming to address the shortcomings of

conventional waste collection practices. Specific objectives include:

1. Designing and prototyping a robotic system capable of autonomously collecting

waste.

2. Evaluating the performance and effectiveness of the developed robotic solution

through field tests and simulations.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In order to achieve the goals, the researchers will try to respond to the following queries:

1. What design can be developed that can:

a) Collect waste

b) Dispose waste

2. What is the evaluation of the Teachers in Christian Samaritan Health Services

and Technical School Inc. Divisoria Campus on the use of the Human-Assisted

Robotic Solution for Human Garbage Disposal in terms of:

a) Ease of use

b) Mobility
 c) Portability

d) Replicability

e) Durability

1.4 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

ANALYSIS Literature review

Designing a human-assisted
DESIGN
waste collection robot

Constructing the prototype

DEVELOPMENT

Developing evaluation rubric

IMPLEMENTATION Self-trial experiment

Conclusion and
EVALUATION
recommendation

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study focuses on developing a human-assisted robotic solution specifically

tailored for human garbage disposal. The research will primarily concentrate on the

design, and evaluation of the robotic system within controlled human environments.

The limitations of the study may vary in different geographical locations and

landfill settings. The development of certain advanced functionalities within the robotic

system may be limited by technological capabilities and resources. Legal and ethical
frameworks governing the deployment of robotics in waste management may influence

the implementation and scalability of the solution.

1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Robotics: The interdisciplinary branch of engineering and science concerned with the

design, construction, operation, and use of robots.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence processes by

machines, especially computer systems, to perform tasks that typically require human

intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and

language translation.

Waste Collection: part of the process of waste management. It involves the transfer of

solid waste from the point of use and disposal to the point of treatment or landfill. Waste

collection also includes the curbside collection of recyclable materials that technically

are not waste, as part of a municipal landfill diversion program.

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The development of a human-assisted robotic solution for human garbage

disposal holds significant implications for waste collection practices, environmental

sustainability, and public health. By harnessing the power of robotics and AI, this

research aims to find its significance to:

Municipalities and Waste Management Authorities. These organizations are

responsible for managing waste in urban and rural areas. The research could provide
them with innovative solutions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize the

environmental impact of waste disposal.

Environmental Organizations. Groups dedicated to environmental conservation and

sustainability would be interested in our research as it offers potential solutions to

reduce pollution and mitigate the harmful effects of improperly managed waste.

Technology Companies. Companies specializing in robotics and automation could find

value in our research by exploring opportunities to develop and commercialize robotic

solutions for waste management.

General Public. Ultimately, improved waste management practices benefit everyone by

preserving the environment, reducing health risks, and promoting sustainability. The

general public could benefit from our research through cleaner surroundings and

healthier living conditions.