50 schools across Seoul are set to receive AI-powered recycling robots this September. (Image courtesy of Namyeong Elementary School)
SEOUL, Jun. 24 (Korea Bizwire) – In a innovative approach to environmental education, 50 schools across Seoul are set to receive AI-powered recycling robots this September, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced on June 22.
The robot, named “Nephron,” uses artificial intelligence to determine whether items are recyclable. When students insert a transparent plastic bottle or can with labels completely removed, the machine assesses its recyclability. If even a small label remains, the robot rejects the item. For each correctly recycled bottle, students receive a 10 won (approximately 1 cent) credit on their mobile phones.
Developed by the circular economy startup SuperBin, these vending machine-like devices are being distributed through a partnership with the education office.
Namyeong Elementary School in Seoul’s Yangcheon district has been piloting the Nephron for a year. “Students have shown great enthusiasm, even bringing recyclables from home,” said Jang Jin-a, a teacher at the school. “We’ve heard that children who previously didn’t participate in recycling are now advising their parents on proper label removal.”
The initiative goes beyond just the robots. Schools will also offer comprehensive “experiential resource circulation education,” including visits from specialist instructors and teacher workshops at recycling facilities.
“Through this hands-on education connecting schools and homes, we hope students will deeply consider environmental issues and gradually change their lifestyles,” an official from the education office stated.
Lee Seung-yeon, a sixth-grader at Namyeong Elementary, shared her excitement: “I’m about to receive my Nephron credits in cash. With these events and this machine, I’m definitely more interested in resource circulation now.”
The education office plans to expand the program, with aims to select and incentivize exemplary schools for resource circulation education by September 2025.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
