Design and implementation of a semi-autonomous waste segregation robot

Abstract

Recycling is the process of collecting waste materials and processing it into new products. Identification of recyclable waste is the first stage of recycling. The objective of this project is to design a robot (Recyclebot) that automatically segregates recyclable and non-recyclable waste and to create awareness among people about the benefits of recycling. The Recyclebot system comprises of different modules for navigation, image acquisition, image processing and human-machine interface. It is mounted with two waste-bins on its either side to classify recyclable and non-recyclable materials and has a camera on the top. It uses image processing to analyze the object against its database and direct it towards the corresponding waste-bin using linear actuators.