University of Alberta-spawned artificial intelligence waste company participates in NASA's lunar recycling competition, representing Canada
In the race to create a sustainable waste reduction system aboard NASA's Artemis II, one Canadian company, Waste Parrot, stands among 17 competitors. This AI organization, founded by U of A PhD program alumni Junaid Osman and associate professor Rafiq Ahmad, is making waves in the waste management industry.
Waste Parrot's victory in Phase I of the LunaRecycle challenge, an initiative by NASA aimed at creating sustainable solutions for human waste during missions, has been a significant milestone. The competition attracted applicants from 86 countries, with Waste Parrot being chosen out of an impressive 1,200 applicants.
The importance of finding ways to recycle waste, particularly in space, is not lost on Rafiq Ahmad. As astronauts produce approximately 125 kilograms of waste per person during each trip, on average, it is crucial to find methods to convert this waste into potential energy or usable products.
Waste Parrot's innovative approach involves converting biological waste into energy and recycling plastics into usable products. The company also plans to create bricks on the moon, utilising the resources available to astronauts due to the inability to return to Earth and recreate or buy new ones.
Rafiq Ahmad is optimistic about the future, hoping to have a prototype for testing by August 2026, the same deadline for submissions for Phase II of the LunaRecycle challenge. A total of $3 million is available for successful companies in the challenge.
Darcy Seaton reported this news on News Edmonton's website, highlighting Waste Parrot's dedication to revolutionising waste management, not just in space but also on Earth. The company specialises in AI drone-based, robot-based 3D printing-based waste recycling, a testament to its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in waste management.
As the race to create a sustainable waste reduction system aboard NASA's Artemis II continues, Waste Parrot's innovative approach and success in Phase I of the LunaRecycle challenge make it a strong contender.
Read also:
- Increase in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Across U.S., But Is It Sufficient?
- Tesla's Semi-Truck enters partnership with Uber Freight, aiming to accelerate the usage of electric trucks.
- The current status of green hydrogen for developing countries following the wave of hype: Assessment of remains
- Rapid Growth in Bio-based Polypropylene Sector Anticipated at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 26.5% by 2034
