Plastic GPT: CQU Researchers Harness AI to Tackle Plastic Waste Crisis
Description
Plastic GPT is an AI-powered educational tool developed to help users recognise, classify, and better understand pastic waste. Analysing images of waste snapped by users, the tool instantly identifies materials and their polymer details like LDPE, HDPE, PET as well as environmental impacts, and recycling or upcycling potential upcycling. Plastic GPT is in final development before public release and will be freely accessible online.
Partners
Parks Australia
Impact
CQUniversity researchers are tapping into Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address our planet’s plastic addiction – so plastic waste is better identified for recycling or upcycling, and so consumers realise the impact of their habits.
The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that every year, up to 23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers and seas. Dr Anwaar Ulhaq is a Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at CQUniversity and is driving new technology to help Australians rethink how they approach the problem.
Analysing images of waste snapped by users, the tool instantly identifies materials and their polymer details like LDPE, HDPE, PET, as well as environmental impacts, and recycling or upcycling potential through image and language-based prompts.
By combining AI, environmental science, and creative industry partnerships, the project highlights the potential of digital tools to make sustainability more participatory, accessible, and effective.
Learn more about CQUniversity's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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