The NCFU experts have proposed an AI smart system for garbage sorting, which relies on pattern recognition algorithms. The system can be implemented as a mobile or a computer application and will be much more accessible compared to its foreign counterparts.

The project has ben developed by Ekaterina Bezuglova (research fellow, Department of Theoretical and Numerical Systems, North-Caucasus Center for Mathematical Research, NCFU), who aims to help people who are not indifferent to environmental issues.

– We all know that garbage should be sorted, yet this is not so easy to do with no specific knowledge, – Ekaterina noted.  – There are more than a few types of garbage, even plastic can be of many different types, some of these being non-recyclable, so it cannot be disposed of with all other types. Our development will help make people aware of the right way to sort garbage, and in case of doubt, all you will have to do is take a picture of what you are about to throw away.

The intelligent system is based on specific pattern recognition mechanisms. Such AI-related developments are already widely used abroad, while in our country they are still used only occasionally. Wider spread of technology depends on the funding, above all, as well as on the complexity of the available solutions. Ekaterina’s development will make such intelligent systems more affordable, and now she is going on improving the initial algorithm to further test its efficiency. The next stage is to develop a mobile application.

Ekaterina’s project has already gained approval as well as an award in the international GIRLS IN STEM competition (Mathematics nomination). In the nearest future, Ekaterina is going to join grant competitions to get some funding for the project.