our job is to design, build, and test a system capable of rapidly and accurately sorting the
four waste materials noted above into distinct waste containers. This system must operate
autonomously and be capable of both material identification and waste handling. Points will
be awarded based on the proper identification and handling of the waste materials, as well
as the speed required to process the materials and the weight of the device.
Project Details:
Students will be provided with a semi
‐rigid waste container (a curbside recycling bin)
containing twelve (12), randomly‐distributed waste products, specifically:
1. Three (3) empty, irregularly‐shaped plastic bottles, measuring approximately 75
mm (± 20 mm) in maximum diameter and 220 mm (± 20 mm) tall.
2. Three (3) empty, irregularly‐shaped aluminum cans, measuring approximately 65
mm (± 20 mm) in maximum diameter and 120 mm (± 20 mm) tall.
3. Three (3) empty, irregularly‐shaped tin‐coated steel containers, measuring
approximately 75 mm (± 20 mm) in maximum diameter and 110 mm (± 20 mm)
tall.
4. Three (3) empty, irregularly‐shaped glass containers, measuring approximately
60 mm (± 20 mm) in maximum diameter and 95 mm (± 20 mm) tall.
At the start signal, these waste products will be poured by one (1) student, without direct
student/waste product contact, from the semi‐rigid waste container into a clearly‐labeled,
un‐segmented/undivided hopper attached to the student’s automated waste sorter (AWS).
This student will then toggle a clearly‐labeled master shut‐off switch. Upon toggling, the AWS
will need to autonomously sort the twelve waste products into five (5) distinct, clearlylabeled
waste containers (transparent bins, boxes, or bags provided by the students) – one
for each of the four (4) groups of waste products and a fifth container for
unsorted/unclassified objects.
Device Requirements:
1. The AWS must autonomously identify, handle, and sort the aforementioned
waste products.
2. The AWS must be powered by readily
‐available, over‐the‐counter, dry‐cell,
rechargeable batteries.
3. The AWS must have a readily‐accessible and clearly‐labeled master shut‐off
switch.
4. The AWS must be deemed by the judges to be safe. Any system deemed at the
judges’ discretion to be unsafe will be immediately disqualified and not allowed
to participate in the competition.
5. To ensure ample space, the entirety of the AWS must fit within a container
measuring, on the inside, 340 x 580 x 400 mm. The AWS must fit within this box
fully assembled. Any expansion or extension of the AWS must be done
autonomously by the system itself during the competition run.
6. The five (5) waste containers (bins, boxes, or bags provided by the competitors)
– one for each of the four (4) groups of waste products and an additional (1)
container for unsorted/unclassified objects – must be clearly labeled and
transparent.
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