Smart Trash: AI for Cleaner Cities
The 16-session plan
Research existing AI technologies used in waste management and compile a list of 5 case studies. Create a project plan outlining the key features of the Smart Trash system, including objectives and milestones.
Begin developing the computer vision model by collecting and annotating images of recyclable and compostable items. Set up a development environment and install necessary libraries for image processing and machine learning.
Develop a dataset by collecting images of various types of waste and labeling them as recyclables, compostables, or landfill. Implement a convolutional neural network (CNN) in Python using TensorFlow to train the model on the labeled waste dataset.
Test the AI model's accuracy by running it on a separate set of waste images and adjusting hyperparameters to improve performance. Create a user interface that allows users to upload images of trash and receive feedback on proper sorting based on the AI's predictions.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this project a great fit for?+
BlueRobins projects are designed for curious students in Grades 3-12 who want to build. No prior experience is needed — mentors start wherever your child is and grow the challenge as they grow.
What does a typical session look like?+
Your child meets 1-on-1 with their mentor every week over Google Meet. Programs run 16 sessions of 45 minutes each. Sessions are hands-on from minute one — building, designing, coding, writing, experimenting — with the mentor coaching live, asking great questions, and unlocking the next step.
What will my child build by the end?+
A finished project they're proud of and can show the world. Across 16 sessions, your child turns an ambitious idea into a working app, prototype, research write-up, portfolio, or published artifact. Every student finishes with a completion certificate signed by their mentor.
Why a free trial first?+
So your child can meet their mentor, get a feel for the project, and leave the call excited. The trial is a complimentary 1-on-1 free trial session — no credit card needed. After the trial, you decide if it's the right fit. Most families know within the first 15 minutes.