'Chewie' by Mankomb.
Credit: Mankomb website.
Developed in Bengaluru, 'Chewie' is what is considered the future of waste management and recycling by many. It is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven machine, which converts wet waste, including peels, leftovers, and even meat to nutrient-filled healthy soil that can be used for organic farming.
With an in-built shredder and digestion chamber, 'Chewie' offers a solution for a clean and dry kitchen, and is said to be eye-opening in the technological aspects. Though by using familiar features of the chamber, shredder, a smooth look, and hands-free access, the robot is guaranteed to promote sustainability in household levels.
Advertised as 'The Future of Clean Kitchens,' 'Chewie' has gone viral on social media. Being developed in a city known for its pollution, and waste mismanagement, social media users have come forward to speak of its innovation.
In a video posted by influencer Sai Sethu, (@ontheground.with.sai on Instagram) the main highlights included its efficiency in reducing waste to gather in landfills, which can be heard in the conversation. Made by a Bengaluru-based company, called Mankomb, 'Chewie' has gone viral for its advanced, yet necessary, functions.
One of the doubts many viewers have, is the role of AI in the process of converting wet waste to soil. Though the machine is divided into individual, functioning components, the 'AI-driven' aspect has kept everyone in suspense.
While the machine does contain sensors for accessibility and movement, it is not considered to be AI in nature. Many are acknowledging its importance, during a time of pollution-induced climate change, but a group of users also state that the technology used may not be revolutionary.
'Chewie' is an example of turning garbage to environmentally conscious and useful material, and the idea of it at such a time is fresh. In replies to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), a user said, "Wow. Brilliant! I think he should make these large machines and sell them to municipalities." They continued, "Municipalities must pay house owners for depositing waste as this waste can be converted to organic manure," stating the relevance of such a robot in recent times.
Another user commented, "By spending ₹5,000 crs, the government can give one such unit to every household in Bengaluru. After that by not spending money on garbage problems, the money can be recovered in a few years," as they emphasized on the need of government attention to manage waste in an urban metropolitan city.