An AI-powered Reverse Vending Machine that detects recyclable objects using computer vision and rewards users with eco-points and coupon codes. Built using Python, RT-DETR, OpenCV, and PyQt5.
The AI Reverse Vending Machine is a smart recycling solution that encourages sustainable waste management through artificial intelligence.
The system uses a laptop camera to detect recyclable objects in real time. Once an object is identified, the user can confirm the detection, earn reward points, and receive a coupon code generated inside a colorful digital receipt.
This project demonstrates the integration of Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, GUI Development, and Reward-Based Sustainability into a single application.
- ♻️ Real-time recyclable object detection
- 🤖 RT-DETR AI object detection model
- 📷 Live camera interface
- 🎯 Confidence-based object recognition
- 💰 Eco reward points system
- 🎟 Automatic coupon code generation
- 📄 PDF receipt generation
- 🔊 Sound effects
- 🖥 Modern PyQt5 desktop interface
- 🌿 Environment-inspired UI
- 📱 Ready for future mobile integration
User
│
▼
Places Recyclable Item
│
▼
Laptop Camera
│
▼
RT-DETR AI Model
│
▼
Object Detection
│
▼
User Confirmation
│
▼
Reward Points
│
▼
Coupon Generation
│
▼
Colorful PDF Receipt
+----------------+
| Laptop Camera |
+--------+-------+
|
|
OpenCV Video Stream
|
▼
+---------------------+
| RT-DETR AI Model |
+---------------------+
|
Detected Object
|
▼
+----------------------+
| PyQt5 User Interface |
+----------------------+
| |
| |
Reward Points Receipt Generator
| |
+-------+-------+
|
Coupon Generator
|
▼
PDF Receipt
This project uses RT-DETR (Real-Time Detection Transformer) through the Ultralytics framework.
- Transformer-based architecture
- High detection accuracy
- Real-time inference
- End-to-end object detection
- No Non-Maximum Suppression (NMS)
- Better understanding of complex scenes
Detected recyclable objects include:
- Plastic Bottle
- Cup
- Can
- Paper
- Pen
- (Additional recyclable objects can easily be added)
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Python | Programming Language |
| RT-DETR | AI Object Detection |
| Ultralytics | Model Framework |
| OpenCV | Camera Processing |
| PyQt5 | Desktop GUI |
| ReportLab | PDF Receipt Generation |
| NumPy | Image Processing |
reverse-vending-machine-ai/
│
├── main.py
├── requirements.txt
├── README.md
├── LICENSE
│
├── model/
│ └── rtdetr-l.pt
│
├── assets/
│ ├── click.wav
│ ├── success.wav
│
├── receipts/
│
├── screenshots/
│ ├── home.png
│ ├── detection.png
│ ├── receipt.png
│
└── docs/
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/reverse-vending-machine-ai.gitGo inside the folder
cd reverse-vending-machine-aiInstall dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txtRun the application
python main.py
- 📱 Android Application
- ☁ Cloud Database
- 🔑 User Authentication
- 📍 Nearby Reverse Vending Machine Locator
- 🏆 Leaderboard
- 🌍 Carbon Footprint Calculator
- 🎁 Partner Brand Coupon Integration
- 📊 Analytics Dashboard
This project promotes sustainable waste management by encouraging users to recycle through an incentive-based reward system.
Benefits include:
- Reduced plastic waste
- Increased recycling awareness
- Circular economy support
- Eco-friendly reward mechanism
This project was developed as a Final Year Engineering Project to demonstrate the practical implementation of:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Vision
- Sustainable Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Reward-Based Recycling Systems
Contributions are welcome.
- Fork the repository
- Create a new branch
git checkout -b feature-name- Commit your changes
git commit -m "Added new feature"- Push to GitHub
git push origin feature-name- Create a Pull Request
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
aadarsh-shrivas
Final Year Engineering Student
Specialization:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Vision
- UI/UX Design
- Python Development
Please consider giving it a ⭐ on GitHub!
It helps support the project and encourages future development.
Made with ❤️ for a greener and smarter future 🌱