In a groundbreaking development, Alice James, Avishkar Seth, and Prof. Subhas Mukhopadhyay at Macquarie University, in collaboration with Western Sydney University, have developed an innovative fly-counting system that is revolutionising waste recycling in New South Wales (NSW).
The researchers, Alice James, Avishkar Seth, Alexandre Marcireau, Subhas Mukhopadhyay, Tomonori Hu, and Ramon Atayde, have used black soldier fly larvae to devour organic waste from mixed solid rubbish, transforming it into valuable products such as synthetic coal, nutrient-rich insect meal, and organic fertiliser.
Alice James is a PhD candidate and Robotics Research Engineer at Macquarie University, specialising in robotics, computer vision, IoT, and sensor technology. Her research focuses on developing swarm aerial robots for various environments to enhance autonomous systems. She holds a M.Res in Robotics (2021), M.Engg in Electronics (2020), and a B.Engg in IT (2018). Her research projects include the Autonomous Drone Landing Project, High-Speed Neuromorphic Vision Counting of Black Soldier Flies, Warehouse Aerial Robots (Chief Investigator), and the Smart City Project.
Avishkar Seth is a PhD candidate and Robotics Research Engineer at Macquarie University. He specializes in robotics, computer vision, mechatronics, and IoT. His research focuses on developing autonomous mid-air handoff for aerial robots.
Prof. Mukhopadhyay’s expertise spans sensors, sensing technology, IoT, mechatronics, robotics, drones, and wireless sensor networks. He is a prominent figure in the IEEE community, he has chaired the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society and Sensors Council NSW Chapters, and was a Distinguished Lecturer for the IEEE Sensors Council (2017–2022).
“The IoT-enabled FlyCount system demonstrates how neuromorphic sensing can drastically improve operational efficiency in fly breeding,” Prof. Mukhopadhyay explained.
“This collaboration between researchers and ARC Ento Tech highlights the potential of such technologies to support sustainable agriculture and waste reduction.”
Black soldier fly larvae are voracious eaters capable of consuming almost any organic waste, from food scraps to manure. However, a significant challenge has been accurately measuring the reproductive behaviour of the adult flies in breeding facilities.
“Until now, there was no reliable way to count these fast-moving flies or measure the larvae production rate,” said Dr Alexandre Marcireau from Western Sydney University’s International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems.
“Our neuromorphic system allows precise tracking of fly movements, enabling us to optimise breeding conditions like temperature, lighting, and food supply.”
The FlyCount system leverages neuromorphic vision sensors paired with a cutting-edge spike detection algorithm to deliver real-time, 95% accurate fly counting, even in dynamic lighting conditions. Inspired by biological systems, the sensors collect only relevant data, making them ideal for observing high-speed movements.
The recycling process using black soldier flies plays a vital role in achieving a circular economy by reducing landfill waste. The larvae not only process organic waste but are also converted into commercial products, including feed for poultry and fertilisers, while inorganic waste is transformed into industrial reductants that replace coking coal.
This breakthrough comes at a crucial time as Greater Sydney faces a looming waste crisis due to diminishing landfill space. With nearly 70% of Australia’s mixed solid waste ending up in landfills in 2018, the scalable FlyCount system could pave the way for sustainable waste management solutions, potentially expanding into other fields like beehive monitoring.
The neuromorphic system, funded by the NSW Smart Sensing Network, enables efficient tracking of black soldier flies to optimise their waste processing capabilities. Dr Tom Hu, Environment & Agriculture Theme Lead at the NSW Smart Sensing Network, said:
“This collaboration demonstrates how advanced science can drive practical solutions to environmental challenges.”
This state-of-the-art technology, published in IEEE Sensors, has become a critical tool for Central Coast-based biotech company ARC Ento Tech.
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