Revolutionizing Waste Collection with AI
Borzoi AI Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, recently kicked off a groundbreaking pilot project in collaboration with the University of Electro-Communications and the city of Chofu, Tokyo. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of waste collection operations and enhance the responsiveness to citizens. By utilizing the innovative smart support service known as "AI Navigation for Waste Collection," the pilot will investigate the potential for real-time situational awareness and information sharing, as well as optimize operational workflows.
Background: Challenges in Waste Collection
The waste collection sector has faced significant hurdles due to a lack of real-time information. Traditional methods have made it difficult to promptly ascertain the location and progress of collection vehicles, often resulting in delays and complications during operations. Additionally, route management and operational records have heavily relied on paper and verbal communication, fostering a reliance on individual knowledge that can complicate task handovers and process improvements. This lack of timely information typically requires staff to provide responses to citizen inquiries, such as reports of uncollected waste, impacting the workload and the speed and accuracy of information dissemination. As a result, there has been growing demand for a system that balances operational efficiency with high-quality citizen service.
Pilot Project Overview
The AI Navigation pilot is conducted in collaboration with the University of Electro-Communications and the Chofu City government. The details of the project are as follows:
- - Duration: July 2025 to March 2026 (planned)
- - Target Region: Chofu City, Tokyo
- - Waste Types: Burnable waste, non-burnable waste, etc.
Key Areas of Verification
- - Real-time tracking and analysis of collection vehicle locations and travel history
- - Utilizing photo reporting functionalities to understand on-site conditions
- - Testing workflows to enable rapid responses to delays and irregular situations
- - Evaluating the usability and information sharing capabilities of an app designed for collection vehicles
Expected Outcomes
- - Enhanced visualization of operational progress, leading to quicker decision-making by managers
- - Improved quality of response to inquiries regarding uncollected waste
- - Optimization of collection routes, resulting in fuel reduction and increased operational efficiency
- - Strengthened capacity to promptly address incidents of illegal dumping and other abnormalities
- - Smoother communication between collection vehicles
What is AI Navigation for Waste Collection?
AI Navigation is designed to visualize and share real-time information from collection sites to elevate the efficiency of municipal operations and the quality of citizen services. Its core functionalities center on:
1.
Monitoring Interface for Administrators:
- A map-based web management screen displaying real-time location information for all collection vehicles
- Storage of up to a year's worth of travel history, with the ability to replay at any chosen date
- Visualization of collection depot locations and statuses, facilitating immediate responses to citizen inquiries
- Immediate reflection of photo reports, supporting swift judgments during abnormal situations
- Automatic detection of delays, with real-time alerts
2.
On-site Support App for Collection Vehicles:
- Easy-to-use swipe interface for sharing location data upon beginning and ending tasks
- Map-based overview for understanding the positions of other vehicles and depots to promote team collaboration and support new staff
- Incorporation of aerial photos for site condition assessment
- Simplified reporting with photos and location data
- Integrated navigation features with map applications
- Coordination with business chat applications like LINE and WowTalk
3.
Integration with AI Waste Sorting Service (In Development):
The data obtained through AI Navigation can also link with the residents' waste sorting guidance service, "AI Garbage Navi." This connection will enable the sharing of real-time locations of collection vehicles and depot information with residents, further supporting waste classification efforts on-site through mobile devices in the vehicles.
Comments from Borzoi AI’s President
Kota Hara, CEO of Borzoi AI, stated, "In this initiative with Chofu City, we aim to collaborate closely with municipal staff and field workers to foster improvements stemming from the on-ground application of AI. By rethinking the real-time visualization of collection work and information sharing with citizens, we aspire to set a new model for digital transformation in local government."
Insights from the University of Electro-Communications
Professor Akira Ishigaki from the University's International Social Implementation Center commented that "AI Navigation for Waste Collection" is a noteworthy smart waste collection system originating from Japan. Beyond basic GPS tracking, it offers the capability to share site photos and progress information instantaneously through smartphones. This feature makes it easy to implement with minimal infrastructure investment, particularly benefiting emerging markets where only a smartphone and a connection are needed to improve public services and sanitary conditions. Looking ahead, integrating IoT devices may further enhance waste identification and frequency optimization, as well as detect illegal dumping incidents.
About Borzoi AI Inc.
- - CEO: Kota Hara
- - Established: February 2024
- - Location: 8-11, Kanda Sarugakucho 2-chome, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 101-0064, Japan
- - Website: Borzoi AI
Borzoi AI aims to enrich societal living through technology and innovation. We strive to leverage AI to provide practical solutions for various challenges faced in daily life.