A Review on The Use of Robotics in Integrated Waste Management Through Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Abstract

The development of artificial intelligence and machine learning is playing an important role in different aspects of urban lifestyle. It is now playing a significant role in ensuring sanitation and health in cities through the use of AI-powered robots in integrated waste management. AI-powered robots use artificial intelligence and machine learning in waste management, like they use it in automated waste sorting, collection of wastes, trash compaction, remote surveillance, under water clean up and waste to energy facilities. The benefits of bringing automation and robotics in waste management are many like robots can precisely sort and handle wastes. Robots are supported with high resolution cameras, sensors and they use artificial intelligence in identifying and sorting diverse types of wastes like plastics, paper, metal etc. from mixed streams. It is very effective in reducing occupational health concerns like injuries to workers from hazardous wastes. Waste collection and transportation have been transformed entirely through the use of robotics, as it involves using autonomous vehicles having robotic arms for waste collection and optimizing the routes. The volume of trash in bins is reduced as robotic systems can compact waste. Floating debris can be also removed from water bodies by robots. Waste disposal sites can be managed effectively through surveillance robots and drones having cameras and sensors. Waste Disposal in landfills gets reduced by automation as recycling rate of wastes increase and natural resources are also conserved through effective recovery of materials. Automation brings cost reduction in waste management, as it lowers the cost of labor and also helps in achieving environmental sustainability through efficient resource management. AI supported sorting of wastes provides flexibility and adaptability as they can identify new materials and can also adapt to varying waste streams. This is not possible in manual sorting of wastes. Somme of the successful case studies regarding use of robotics in waste management are Zen Robotics (Finland), AMP Robotics (USA), Prairie Robotics, Waste Robotics and Recycleye