Graduates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created a 3D printer that transforms food waste into functional objects using AI.
According to Designboom, the FOODres.AI printer is equipped with a three-axis extrusion system and an automated material processing module.
It says that kitchen waste is processed into a printable bioplastic paste using a built-in heating and mixing mechanism. The material is then extruded into pre-defined shapes such as coasters, containers, and simple decorative elements.
The system is powered by a mobile app. It includes a self-learning object detection model that identifies types of food waste using the phone's camera. Based on the detected material, the app suggests appropriate "print recipes" that take into account the physical properties of the waste.
The program also provides a library of design templates, and users can also upload their own models. The interface is intuitive and requires minimal prior experience with 3D printing.
The authors of the project see it as an alternative to composting or recycling organic waste. According to them, the device can be useful in everyday life, schools or workshops and help change attitudes towards household waste.
Recall that Anker recently introduced the EufyMake E1 printer, which combines the functions of 3D printing and UV curing. According to the manufacturer, this device is the world's first personal UV printer with the ability to create 3D textures.