Gwangju Dong-gu, Pilot Operation of Resource Circulation Collection Robot 'Nephron'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Im Taek) announced on the 21st that it is conducting a pilot operation by installing a total of three AI-based resource recycling collection robots called ‘Nephron’ (unmanned recycling collection machines): two at the parking lot of Jingsimsa District in Mudeungsan National Park and one at Jiwon 1-dong Recycling Neighborhood Yard.

Nephron is a vending machine-type resource recycling collection robot applying artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. When PET bottles or cans are inserted and a mobile phone number is entered, the AI sensor recognizes the item, compresses and stores it by category, and points are credited to the entered phone number.

Cans and PET bottles each earn 10 points, and points over 2000 can be converted into cash. After signing up on the Superbin website and entering their bank account, cash is transferred to the account.

Dong-gu plans to expand installation if the satisfaction with the Nephron pilot operation is high. Additionally, when social distancing measures are eased, resource recycling guides will directly explain how to use the machines and conduct various resource recycling promotional activities.

Mayor Im Taek of Dong-gu said, “We expect this to serve as an opportunity to raise awareness about the value of recyclable resources such as cans and PET bottles and the importance of separating waste.” He added, “We will continue to operate various resource recycling programs that residents can easily and enjoyably participate in, taking a step forward toward a sustainable resource recycling city.”