Feasibility Study of AI-enhanced recycling of pharmaceutical and medical devices

Purpose and goal

This feasibility study aims to evaluate the potential benefits and practicality of incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically through a classification model and a computer vision system, to improve the recycling process of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other types of single-use medical supplies. It will provide crucial insights into the transformative potential of AI in recycling in the healthcare context, setting the stage for a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach to medical waste management.

Expected effects and result

The feasibility study will provide insights to develop a well-structured approach to validate and prepare AI-enhanced recycling technologies for broader application across many medical product segments. The results will ensure that technological advancements benefit all societal segments, setting a precedent for sustainable and inclusive industrial practices in healthcare supply chains. The project will provide a clear path from innovative concept to practical implementation, ensuring robust stakeholder collaboration, and a template for cross-industry adoption.

Planned approach and implementation

The feasibility study has a few work packages defined to define the healthcare value chain and medical product classification model, validate the algorithms to be trained on the model for the vision system, and to evaluate the technology requirements to implement the vision system. The feasibility study will have a small project team made up of key stakeholders and use the Sustainability committee at GoCo as a reference group for workshops, dissemination and validation of the study. Results will be presented through GoCo and other Vectura innovation cluster social media channels