To make predictions and apply machine learning, a dataset must be created. Get to know integra, a waste monitoring system. Recognized by BID as one of the 50 talents, Ideas for a Better World 2021.
Device renders
Easy, simple and secure.
This reliable tool provides specific information about the waste that is inside each container and provides interconnection with different systems like firefighters, police and the citizen's phone.
Allows the different actors to access specific data that is useful for deciding their way of operating, either through the generation of a database or a notification at an opportune moment.
Research
Duration: 2 months
Photographic record of the visit to the collection plant, fire department and through the city
To understand the context and the pain points, we started with research.
Method
We interview 65 citizens, the waste plants were visited and agreed meetings with the municipality, private recollection companies, the fire department and other actors were held.
Then, through a prospective analysis, the economic, social and environmental trends in Uruguay and in the world were identified.
Some of the questions were
How often do you throw out the garbage?
Why do you choose that waste container to deposit your garbage?
What do you do with your garbage if the container full?
What do you like the most and the least about the recollection system?
How clean do you usually see your neighborhood?
Which time of the day is your favorite and why?
Insights
Main problems
The data used for decision-making is not reliable. Therefore, the resolutions adopted have not been useful. The citizens distrust and loss of interest has been increasing.
Every year, 6k waste containers are lost due to fire, equivalent to 3 million dollars.
73% of population finds the waste container full or overflowing.
Design process
Duration: 8 months
Initial sketches of the container system and possible locations of the device.
Development of the first functional prototype.
Resistance tests of components, analysis of energy consumption and performance.
Specific PCB design to integrate a microcontroller, chip, battery connectors and the sensor. The board was reduced 9mm high.
The Starting point
The first drawings of the product emerged from the requirements list made by the analysis of the containers, the climatic conditions and the collection system.
Advised by engineers and programmers, the components for the development of the MVP (minimum viable product) were defined.
MVP development
Financed by Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación
Thoughts
The test was a success. However, the weak point is the energy consumption that the device needs in order to function.
The final design must prioritize simplicity and quality, must be vandalism proof and, as far as possible, sustainable.
Final product
Duration: 6 months
Robust, compact and modular design. Created under IP68 and IK10 standards.
With clean and renewable energy provided by the solar panel.Device details
Sketches and 3D printed
Technical draws
Product install
