Scanner X: SmartTech's answer to combating food waste

Team SmartTech provide an overview of the problem they have identified and their potential solution for their AAC2022 entry.

The Problem

Throughout our lives, we are continuously going back and forth from our local shops and supermarkets to buy food, drink, household items and a variety of other products; in fact, the average person attends a supermarket/grocery store 2-3 times per week and spends 43 minutes there (not including travel time). Therefore, what if there was a way to manage and minimise waste of perishable items and effectively decrease the amount of times we travel to and from convenience stores.

A big environmental factor that society currently faces is the substantial amount of unnecessary food we dispose of, without understanding the true use-by-date of each individual item. In fact, the average food waste per day in each household across the UK is 1.96kg.

Team SmartTech aims to contribute in the reduction of unnecessary waste through the implementation of our product in households across the UK.

The Concept

SmartTech’s concept is called Scanner X, a smart barcode scanner designed to scan and track food items in the kitchen, allowing the user to scan the barcode of products and specify whether the product is being added or removed from the kitchen.

Scanner X will allow the user to easily view what is currently stored in their kitchen, as well as see predicted use by dates and get advice on best storage conditions for food. All while at home; using the product’s touch display, or on the go; using the downloadable mobile app.

The aim is to make it easier for the user to know what is in their kitchen, and enable them to make better decisions on what to buy when shopping.

Scanner X is not limited to food items in the kitchen; it also includes the option to have custom storage locations around the house. For example, you may be able to keep track of consumables in the bathroom, or books you have borrowed from the library. All in one product.