BMSCE

Introduction To Electronics

Robotics in waste management

BY:
Rohan P Hegde – 09
Samith M S – 24
Shravan Shreevathsa C – 42
Sugosh
 CONTENTS

• Introduction
• Technologies used
• Applications
• Conclusions
• References
Introduction

O1 Robotics in waste
management
Source: Copilot
 Introduction
• Interdisciplinary Field: Robotics integrates mechanical
engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and
artificial intelligence (AI) to create functional robots.
• Autonomous or Semi-Autonomous: Robots can operate
completely on their own (autonomous) or require some
human intervention (semi-autonomous), depending on their
design and application.
• Wide Range of Applications: Robotics has versatile uses
across multiple sectors, including manufacturing (e.g.,
automated assembly lines), healthcare (e.g., surgical robots),
exploration (e.g., Mars rovers), and entertainment (e.g.,
animatronics in theme parks).
• Continuous Evolution: The field is constantly advancing
with new research and developments in AI, machine learning,
 Introduction (continued…)
• Role of robotics in waste management:
o Sorting and Separation:
 Robotic sorting arms: Equipped with
computer vision and machine learning
algorithms, these arms can quickly sort
recyclables from non-recyclables
 Sensor-based sorting: Robots can use
sensors to identify and separate
materials like plastics, glass, and
metals..
o Collection and Transportation: Waste collecting
 Autonomous collection vehicles: Self- drones
driving trucks or drones can collect Source: enggbook
 Introduction (continued…)
• Benefits:
o Improved efficiency: Robotics can automate cleaning processes,
reducing manual labour and increasing efficiency.
o Enhanced safety: Robots can operate in hazardous
environments, reducing the risk of injury to humans.
o Cost-effective: Robotics can reduce cleanup costs, minimizing
the economic impact of water pollution.
o Environmental benefits: Robotics can help restore aquatic
ecosystems, preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable
water management.
Technologies
used

O2 Robotic technologies in
waste management
Source: Copilot
 Technologies used
Robots used in waste management
incorporate a variety of advanced
technologies to enhance efficiency,
accuracy, and safety. Here are some key
technologies:
• Machine Vision:
o Cameras and Sensors: High-
resolution cameras and sensors
capture detailed images of waste
items. These images are processed Scanning of waste
to identify materials based on done by sensors.
colour, texture, shape, and other Source: recycleye.com
visual characteristics1.
 Technologies used (continued…)
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Machine Learning (ML):
o AI Algorithms: AI algorithms
analyse data from sensors and
cameras to identify and sort
different types of waste. These
algorithms can recognize patterns
and improve sorting accuracy over
time.
o Machine Learning Models: ML AI block diagram
models are trained on large Source: Rohan P
Hegde
datasets to enhance the robot's
 Technologies used (continued…)
• Robotic Arms and Grippers:
o Robotic Arms: Equipped with
robotic arms, these robots can
pick up and place waste items
into designated bins. The arms
are often fitted with suction cups
or grippers to handle various
materials.
o End Effectors: Specialized end Waste sorting robotic
effectors, such as mechanical arms
Source: freepik
grippers or vacuum systems,
 Technologies used (continued…)

• Proximity Sensors:
o Detection and Handling:
Proximity sensors help the robot
detect the presence of waste
items and accurately pick them
up without causing damage..
o Obstacle Avoidance: These
sensors also aid in avoiding
obstacles, ensuring smooth
operation in cluttered Proximity sensors
Source:
environments
Applications

O3 Drone carrying waste

Source: Copilot
 Applications
Robots are playing an increasingly important role in
waste management, enhancing efficiency and
reducing the environmental impact of waste
disposal. Here are some key applications of robots in
waste management:
• Waste Sorting:
o Automated Sorting System: Robots equipped
with advanced sensors and machine learning
Automated waste
algorithms can quickly and accurately sort sorting
waste into different categories such as Source: Copilot
plastics, metals, paper, and organic waste.
This reduces the need for manual sorting and
increases recycling rates.
 Applications (continued…)
• Waste Collection:
o Autonomous Waste Collection
Vehicles: Autonomous vehicles
equipped with robotic arms can
collect waste from bins and
transport it to disposal sites.
These vehicles can operate on
predefined routes, reducing the
need for human intervention.
Autonomous waste
o Smart Bins: Smart waste bins collection truck by
equipped with sensors can notify volvo
Source: IEEE spectrum
autonomous waste collection
 Applications (continued…)
• Ocean and River Clean-up:
o Marine Robots: Autonomous
underwater vehicles (AUVs) and
remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are
used to collect plastic waste and other
debris from oceans and rivers. These
robots can operate in challenging
environments, reaching areas that are
difficult for humans to access.
o Floating Drones: Marine litter detecting
Floating drones
robots
equipped with nets and collection Source: mainichi.jp
mechanisms can skim the surface of
 Applications (continued…)
• Smart Waste Management Systems
o Data Analytics: Robots integrated with IoT (Internet of Things)
devices can collect and analyze data on waste generation and
disposal patterns. This information can be used to optimize waste
management strategies and improve resource allocation.
o Predictive Maintenance: Robots equipped with sensors can
monitor the condition of waste management equipment and
perform predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and
extending the lifespan of the equipment.
Conclusion

O4 Source: Copilot
 Conclusion
• Robotics in waste management is revolutionizing the
industry, making it more efficient, accurate, and sustainable.
By employing AI, machine learning, and advanced sensors,
robots automate tasks, reduce labor costs, and improve
waste sorting accuracy, leading to higher recycling rates and
better resource recovery. This technology enhances safety by
minimizing human exposure to hazardous materials and
supports environmental sustainability through recycling and
waste-to-energy initiatives. As robotics technology continues
to advance, it offers innovative solutions to modern waste
management challenges, paving the way for smarter, safer,
and more sustainable practices.
 References
• https://www.recycling • mainichi.jp
today.org/
• https://link.springer.c
om/
• https://blog.haulerher
o.com/
• https://www.rts.com/
• Microsoft copilot
• enggbook
• recycleye.com
• freepik
• dynamicrep.com
Thank
you