Drushti J Nagarkar, Rutish Naryankar and Avishek Prasad, Students of Vivekanand Education Society's Institute Of Technology (VESIT).

Please explain your project briefly in a few sentences.

Our waste management system is designed to automatically sort waste into three categories: trash, recyclables, and compost. Users simply hold their waste in front of a camera, which detects the type of waste and opens the corresponding compartment. After depositing the waste, users receive a QR code that can be scanned for a scratch card reward, adding a gamified element to encourage responsible disposal. The system also includes a display to show current waste levels, with IoT connectivity to notify municipal authorities when bins need to be collected. Additionally, voice commands enhance user interaction by informing them when the bin door is closing and after disposal.

What inspired you to work on this project?

The inspiration for this project stems from the growing challenges in waste management, particularly in busy public areas. In today's fast-paced environment, many people overlook the importance of waste segregation, opting for convenience over responsibility. This behavior has contributed to alarmingly low recycling rates—around 30% overall and only 20% for plastics—leading to significant environmental repercussions. Overflowing bins not only create unsightly conditions but also pose public health risks by attracting pests and contributing to air and water pollution.

Recognising that better segregation at the source is essential for improving the quality of recyclable materials, we aimed to create a solution that encourages proper waste disposal. By making the process easier and more engaging, we hope to foster shared responsibility and contribute to a more sustainable future.

How was the response from visitors and peers to your project at Automation Expo 2024?

At Automation Expo 2024, the response to Binbot from both visitors and peers was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees recognised the project as a promising prototype that addresses significant waste management issues. Feedback highlighted potential challenges we may face during implementation, allowing us to refine our approach further.

Did you receive any offers or encouragement from exhibiting companies or visiting industry professional?

We received numerous offers and encouragement from exhibiting companies and industry professionals, including representatives from Yamaha, Intel, and BARC, startups, as well as professors from IIT Bombay. Many expressed interest in funding future prototypes, providing guidance, and offering internship opportunities to further develop our project. This engagement has reinforced our commitment to bringing Binbot to fruition.

Please describe your experience in just three words.

Innovative! Engaging!! Promising!!!

‘Eagerness to learn and adapt made the entire process collaborative and productive’

-Dr Nilima Warke, Associate Professor, Automation & Robotics Department

How did you find the initial idea and what was your reaction to it?

The initial idea for Binbot was met with excitement and optimism. The concept of automatic waste segregation with integrated rewards felt innovative and impactful, addressing a critical issue in waste management. As soon as we began discussing the potential for combining gamification with sustainability, it was clear that this project had the potential to make a meaningful difference in encouraging responsible waste disposal practices.

What was the response from the students to your guidance and the deliberations that followed?

The students were highly receptive to the guidance provided. Throughout the deliberations, they demonstrated enthusiasm and a willingness to engage in thoughtful discussions about the project’s feasibility, technical challenges, and ethical considerations. Their eagerness to learn and adapt made the entire process collaborative and productive, leading to stronger outcomes and a more refined final prototype.

How does the college encourage and inspire students to go beyond theory and experiment with projects?

Our college fosters an environment that actively encourages students to go beyond theoretical learning by providing extensive support for project-based initiatives. It offers both technical and practical guidance, while facilities such as laboratories and industry collaborations enable hands-on experimentation. Additionally, opportunities to participate in national competitions and expos motivate students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, pushing the boundaries of their innovation and creativity.

Please describe your experience in just three words.

Inspiring! Enriching!! Gratifying!!!

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