EcoScan: AI-Powered Solutions for Smarter Plastic Recycling Decisions
EcoScan is an exciting senior capstone project where you will design an innovative app that uses AI technologies, such as barcode scanning and image recognition, to address real-world challenges in plastic recycling. As part of this project, you’ll develop an app that helps users determine if a plastic container is recyclable and provides clear disposal instructions. You will also create a comprehensive database by gathering and integrating recycling information from waste management centers across the country, ensuring users have access to accurate and up-to-date recycling guidelines. Throughout the project, you’ll gain hands-on experience in machine learning, mobile app development, database management, and sustainability-focused design, all while contributing to reducing environmental impact. Join EcoScan to create smart, accessible recycling solutions!
Objectives
Below are the main deliverables for the project. It will likely require multiple teams and/or multiple terms to complete all the steps.
- Database Design & Integration: a fully developed database containing recycling information from recycling centers across the country that can be integrated into the app
- Machine Learning Model: a trained machine learning model capable of identifying recyclable plastics through image recognition and barcode scanning.
- Mobile App Prototype: initial wireframes and design prototypes for the app interface, focusing on usability and user experience.
- Fully Functional App: a working mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, that integrates AI technologies, the database, and a user-friendly interface.
- Testing and Validation: testing and validation that the app provides accurate recycling data based on location and the type of plastic.
Motivations
The motivation behind this project stems from the urgent need to improve plastic recycling efforts and reduce environmental impact. Despite growing awareness of plastic pollution, recycling rates remain low, largely due to confusion and lack of clear guidance on what can and cannot be recycled. EcoScan aims to simplify this process by providing users with real-time, accurate information on how to dispose of plastics properly. By harnessing AI and building a nationwide database of recycling information, the app empowers users to make smarter choices, reduces contamination in recycling streams, and ultimately contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable planet.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Proficiency in programming languages used for building mobile apps.
2. Understanding of basic machine learning concepts and experience with popular machine learning frameworks.
3. Ability to design a simple database, query data, and integrate the database into a mobile app for data storage and retrieval.
4. Ability to work effectively in a team setting, share progress, and communicate technical details.
5. Ability to break down complex tasks into smaller steps and solve problems efficiently.
6. An interest in sustainability, particularly in solving real-world problems like improving recycling systems or waste management.
Preferred Qualifications:1. Advanced mobile app development skills, including experience with cross-platform development tools and knowledge of advanced mobile features such as geolocation services and real-time data updates.
2. Experience with more advanced machine learning models for image recognition tasks.
3. Familiarity with cloud platforms for hosting the app’s database, machine learning models, or real-time data.
4. Experience with backend development frameworks for building and integrating APIs that interact with the app and database.
5. Familiarity with data collection techniques to gather and update recycling center information.
6. Proficiency with design tools to create high-fidelity mockups and prototypes.
7. Experience with optimizing database queries, handling large datasets, and scaling apps to accommodate growing user bases and data requirements.