The recycling of spray cans is not only more complex than it sounds, but it can also be dangerous. At Team B’s kick-off of their Smart lab for DeSpray, CEO Eelco Osse stresses the importance of sorting out spray cans containing certain chemicals that are not suitable for regular recycling. In the future, the decision is to be made by a visual AI system, sorting out specific cans that are either posing a threat to the recycling machine’s functionality or even the operators’ safety.
Given the risks, an AI assisted can sorting machine needs to be reliable under any conditions, including for example different lighting conditions in the customer’s sight. To ensure this is now the task of Team B. While AI training is not on the to-do list, the students are asked to create a concept for a machine where the AI can be integrated and its reliability independent of the surrounding conditions is ensured. The machine is to be loaded with cans, which are then scanned and sorted accordingly, depending on whether they are recyclable or not. How these functions are realized is up to the students, but a fast workflow must be assured too.
On sight in Almelo, the students got to see and understand the innovative spray can recycling process. That environment encouraged the creative thinking process of the students, which proceeded to collect early ideas, right after being introduced to the company and task, and set up a working plan for the upcoming eight weeks.
