Urban waste sorting and recycling are persistent challenges for modern cities. Shopping malls, schools, office buildings, and industrial parks all face the pressing need for efficient waste management solutions. Our client, YiBei IoT, was founded specifically to tackle these problems with technological innovation. They partnered with LKK Design to develop a smart, connected, and user-friendly waste recycling box that could revolutionize how we dispose of and recycle waste.

YiBei IoT needed a product that was not only functional but also intelligent and engaging to encourage user participation. The key objectives for the waste recycling box design were:

• Smart & Technological Aesthetic: The product's appearance had to convey advanced technology and reliability.

• Intuitive User Interaction: Implementing an interactive lighting system to guide users through the recycling process.

• Modular Flexibility: The design had to be modular to accommodate different waste streams, including garments, plastic, metals, and paper, and be customizable for various scenarios.

• IoT Integration: Seamlessly incorporate IoT capabilities for data collection and management.

LKK Design employed a comprehensive, multi-stage design and engineering process to bring the Smart Waste Recycling Box to life.

1. Design Research
Our process began with in-depth research into user behavior and the specific requirements of different deployment environments (e.g., malls vs. offices). This helped us identify key user pain points and opportunities for innovation, directly informing the modular and interactive features.

2. Industrial Design
We created a sleek, modern, and robust aesthetic that fits seamlessly into public spaces. The core of our industrial design was the interactive LED lighting system:

• Ambient Guidance Light: Lights activate when a user scans a QR code to begin, creating an engaging entry point.

• Status Indicator Light: The delivery port uses colored lights to provide immediate feedback, such as alerting the user if a plastic bottle contains liquid.

3. Mechanical Structure Design
Our engineering team focused on durability, weather resistance, and serviceability. We designed a robust internal structure to securely house the different sorting modules and electronic components, ensuring long-term reliability and ease of maintenance.

4. Electronic Design 
LKK was responsible for the complete electronic ecosystem:

• Hardware Design: We selected and integrated sensors, controllers, and the LED matrix to create a responsive system.

• Firmware Development: Our team developed the embedded software that processes sensor data (e.g., liquid detection) and controls the interactive lighting sequences.

• Software Collaboration: The client-developed mobile application (for user entry and data) was seamlessly integrated through well-defined hardware APIs we provided.

5. Prototyping and Testing
Functional prototypes were built and put through rigorous testing cycles. We validated the sensor accuracy, durability of the mechanical parts, weatherproofing, and overall user experience. Feedback from this phase was crucial for refining the final design before mass production.

6. Mass Production
Leveraging the expertise of LKKER SCM, we managed the entire supply chain, from sourcing components and tooling to establishing a quality-controlled assembly line. This ensured the product was manufactured at scale with consistent high quality and cost-effectiveness.

The IoT Smart Waste Recycling Box successfully leverages digital technologies like the Internet of Things, Big Data, and AI to make waste sorting intelligent. This innovative waste recycling box design delivers significant value:

• Enhanced User Engagement: The interactive design makes recycling a more intuitive and rewarding experience.

• Operational Efficiency: Provides valuable data for waste management operators.

• Proven Market Success: The product garnered significant interest and was showcased at major tech conferences, including The Computing Conference 2018 and the World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit 2018. It attracted potential orders from leading companies like Longfor, Auchan, and Fresh Hema.

Through this project, LKK Design demonstrated its full-capability approach, transforming a client's vision into a commercially successful and industry-leading product.