Gangdong-gu is operating “Nephron,” an AI-based unmanned collector of recyclable materials, to enhance the resource recovery and expand resource circulation.

The district installed Nephron 3 in front of the management office of the Historic Site in Amsa-dong, Seoul and began its operation this month.

Nephron is a resource vending machine (RVM) where artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IOT) technologies are applied. If cans or plastic bottles are put into the vending machine, the AI sensor sorts them out automatically before they are compressed and collected; points are accumulated onto user’s mobile phone according to the number of collected bottles.

Each bottles of cans and plastics are priced at KRW 7 and KRW 5 respectively, and up to 30 bottles can be discharged within a day. If 2,000 points are saved, you can use them like cash by transferring them to your bank account at the SuperBin website.

Gangdong-gu began test-operating Nephron 1 at Seoul Seongil Elementary School in Seongnae-dong in July 2019 and has been running Nephron 2 at Samtoh Neighborhood Park in Godeok-dong since September the same year. Residents’ voluntary participation has played a big role to such an extent that the single Nephron collected more than 100,000 cans and plastic bottles until August this year.

Gangdong-gu Mayor Lee Jung Hun said, “If the Prehistoric Museum reopens after the COVID-19 eases down, we expect Nephron 3 to receive fervent response from the residents.” He added, “We expect a double effect, environmental protection and cash compensation, by raising an awareness of resource circulation and boosting recycling through Nephron.”

<Related Photos>

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  A citizen puts an empty plastic bottle into “Nephron,” an AI-based reverse vending machine, installed at the Historic Site in Amsa-dong, Seoul in September 2020.

  

  “Nephron 3,” an AI-based reverse vending machine installed in front of the management office of the Historic Site in Amsa-dong, Seoul.