Sensi.
2019-2020
Dublin based clean-tech startup focused
Main Roles
Mechanical Design and Computer Vision Developer
What I did
- Mechanical Design.
- Waste Recognition Model.
- User Testing.
Sensi enlisted the services of TCD in the devlopment of aspects of the minimal viable prototype for thie RVM (Reverse Vending Machine) product. This project was funded through EI's innvoation voucher scheme. The work completed under this contract included;
The startup currently currently still operating. More information can be found at the website below.
Mechanical Design
RVM opening mechanism
The opening for the RVM was the main mechanical design problem we were tasked with. The mechanism has to be able to open and close quickly to react to react to either correct/incorrect classifications. It also needed to be easy to clean as the units had to conform to strict hygiene standards. We evetually settled on a augmented apeture design with rubber seals on the blades. This allowed us the opertional speed we required while also having minimal space for food/waste build up in the opening mechanism.
Waste Recognition Model
Neural network trained to classify recyclables
I built a CNN (Convolution Neural Network) capable of classifing images of waste products in up to 6 different categories:
- Non-recyclables
- Metal
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Plastic
- Glass
The model was trained using the TrashNet database. Initial results showed the model had a ~60% accuracy at the 6 category classification task however when the output was reduced to a binary one (recyclable/non-recyclable) the accuracy was increased to ~88%. This was sufficient for the initial round of user tests.
User testing
MVP validation
The final part of the contracted work was to develop a user testing plan for the clients. We identified some suitble areas around campus for the tests to occur. We outlined the key results to try to focus on from an investor prospective. We also create the testing plan and data collection procedure for each of the test locations.
Project Sponsers and Partners
