Hawker Sense

Personalised AI Driven Real Time Food Waste Prediction for Hawker Center. Save Resources, Save Money, Save the World!

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Inspiration

Singapore's hawker centres are cultural treasures, but they face a growing challenge: food waste. Every hawker stall is losing money every time food is being wasted and some even lose up to $200 daily in wasted ingredients.

What it does

HawkerSense is a smart waste management system that combines RFID technology with AI analytics to help hawker centre owners track and reduce food waste. Each plate contains an embedded RFID chip that identifies its stall of origin. When customers return their trays, our AI-powered cameras analyze leftover food, breaking it down by components (rice, meat, vegetables). Stall owners receive real-time insights through our dashboard, showing exactly how much food is being wasted, helping them optimize future portion sizes and preparation quantities.

How we built it

  • RFID-embedded plates that can withstand high temperatures and frequent washing
  • Implemented computer vision system using GPT for accurate food waste analysis
  • Real-time dashboard using streamlit for data visualization
  • Integrated RFID readers at tray return stations for automated detection and camera activation
  • (VERY CUTE) Moo Deng Display (LCD Screen) to signify the camera analyzing stages

Challenges we ran into

  • Balancing system complexity with ease of use for hawker owners
  • Selecting which system components to show for hawker owners
  • Ensuring the solution remained cost-effective and reliable while maintaining functionality

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Created a system that requires minimal behaviour change from staff and customers
  • Seamless Integration between backend and frontend
  • Created a system that preserves the cultural aspects of hawker centres while introducing modern technology

What we learned

  • Technical skills in RFID integration, computer vision, User Interface and User Experience
  • How to balance innovation with practical implementation
  • The importance of user-centric design and non-intrusive technology in developing solutions for traditional businesses

What's next for Core

  • Implement the Vertical Shaft system for smaller hawker centres where conventional conveyer belt systems aren't available
  • Integrate with inventory management systems for automated stock ordering
  • Build Proof-Of-Value
  • Pilot Testing in SUTD/Tampines Hub/Singapore Polytechnic
  • Partner Programs with Food Courts like Koufu

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