AI-powered recycling tech via vending machines at KLCC

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has been investing in AI-powered technology to promote recycling and the management team has given its approval to two new, smart reverse vending machines (RVM) to help in that effort. The AI-powered RVMs are equipped with photo and bar-code recognition technology, as well as machine-learning capabilities that enable brand recognition of containers, auto-identification of material and sorting them into separate bins. It also provides real-time data tracking and reporting with key information such as total containers disposed, type, brand, recycler profile, timing and machine alerts. The Centre’s general manager, Alan Pryor, said sustainability was a very important aspect of the business and that management would continue to invest and innovate in this direction. “Placement of the RVMs has long been in our pipeline and we are delighted to have realised this. This is just a small step by the venue to promote responsible living and healthy lifestyles that will cultivate a better future society,” he noted. Delegates and visitors to the venue are entitled to redemption points when they deposit their empty plastic bottles and aluminium cans in the RVM. The points can be exchanged for retail promotions and discounted lifestyle experiences from prominent brands and establishments. “This initiative is aimed at incentivising good, responsible actions. We all like being rewarded especially, for our positive acts and we believe that through these RVMs, more people will be encouraged to recycle. Points can be redeemed for rides at Resort World Genting, discounts on GRAB (e-hailing and food delivery application), VIP access code for iQIYI (Asian content streaming platform) and many more exciting experiences,” added Yugatheeswaran Arjunan, director of facilities of the Centre. Placed at high-traffic areas in the Centre, the RVMs can be spotted on Ground Floor and at Concourse. Recyclers are required to download and install the KLEAN application on their smartphones in order to capture their recycling acts, track the points earned and to redeem them. More machines will be rolled out in the coming months at the Centre. Photo: The Centre’s director of facilities, Yugatheeswaran Arjunan (second from left), executive housekeeper, Norul Ain binti Puteh (second from right)