Roadside litter detection

CamAlien, a high-speed camera system originally designed for detecting invasive plant species, can now be used for monitoring litter. This camera system, mounted on vehicles, scans the roadside while in motion, capturing images and identifying litter items along the way.

Before people stop polluting, there will still be a need for someone to collect the litter. Although CamAlien might not revolutionize litter collection, it can aid in detecting and mapping the locations of litter, serving as a tool for prioritizing waste collection efforts.

The CamAlien system surveys the roadside, taking photographs and accurately identifying litter items using AI — from discarded soda cans to scattered candy wrappers. Utilizing these litter detections, a map is then created, pinpointing areas requiring priority attention for waste collection resources.

Sample photos of litter detection along highways