Ultrasonic technologies are used in smart waste management solutions.

By 2030, almost two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in cities. This fact makes the development of sustainable solutions for urban life a requirement, already. Efficient and energy-saving street lighting and traffic light systems, water and wastewater management, and the reduction of CO² in vehicle exhaust emissions – are just few examples, placing demands on future cities. In view of that, the efficient use and responsible handling of resources becomes more and more important, too.

Smart city concepts

In Barcelona, smart waste management is part of the smart city project.

These trends are the reason for the development of smart city concepts, intended to improve the situation in urban areas, by using innovative technologies. The “internet of things” (IoT) provides new opportunities for making cities smarter. Parking guidance systems, for instance, can help reducing gas emissions, as cars are guided directly to free parking spaces. Intelligent and flexible automation solutions are the basis for such approaches. Thus, MOBA developed our smart waste management system. This solution enables waste containers to report automatically when they are full and need to be emptied. There are also other products available – like the MOBA CitInApp, which can be integrated into such smart city systems.

Smart Waste Management as part of the Smart City concept

What might sound unreal has already become reality within smart city projects. Waste containers transmit their current filling level, indicating when it should be emptied. Via the mobile communications network, the data is sent to a web-based software application used by the waste disposal company and the city council.

In the software MawisU2, the capacity of the container is visualized in a traffic light system, taken as a basis to plan the best route for the waste collection. Recycling Collecting Vehicles (RCV) travel only to the containers and waste bins that actually need to be emptied.

The filling level of waste containers is visualized through a traffic light system, in web-based software.

Filling level measurement with innovative ultrasonic technology

The filling level sensor, here installed in a waste container lid, detects the current filling level.

MOBA’s filling level sensor detects the level based on ultrasonic technology. A robust ultrasonic sensor is installed in waste containers and detects the fill level, regardless of what has been deposited inside. This technology is qualified for reliability and intelligence. It automatically adapts to changing surfaces and different kinds of waste.

On a regular basis, measured data and sensor information are transmitted to the cloud via the mobile communication network. The filling level sensor is equipped with a SIM card. The advantage: existing telecommunication networks can be used for data transmission.

Also maintenance, service and diagnostics are possible via the cloud. Sensor data is monitored online making fewer on-site service calls, necessary. As the filling level sensor consumes very little power, the lithium battery lasts up to ten years, making it an energy-saving and durable solution.

Intelligent bin level sensors for smart cities and smart waste disposal companies

By introducing smart waste management solutions, cities have taken a key step towards becoming a smart city. The targeted waste collection saves time, money and fuel, while reducing exhaust gas emissions and noise levels for local residents. MOBA assumes the waste truck’s tour can be reduced by 30%. There might be more cities benefitting from this system in the future.

This application is an example of the type of intelligent sensors becoming more and more popular. Such sensors can improve daily life and save our planet, through global resource sustainability.

The MOBA waste sensor can be used inside already existing smart cities, or for clients starting with the MOBA bin level sensor as their smart waste disposal.

Are you using fill level sensors for waste bins? Or have you seen them in your City? Share your thoughts!

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At a glance

• Smart ultrasonic technology combined with telecommunication technologies.
• Regular reporting of measured filling level and sensor data via mobile communication network.
• Robust ultrasonic sensor detects fill level, regardless of the kind of waste.
• Filling level measurements as a basis for optimized routes for waste collection.
• Reducing gas emissions, fuel consumption and noise level.