Wearable technology for smart waste collection
FAE Technology
The context
The digital transformation is reshaping the waste management sector through connected and intelligent devices. Urban population growth and increasing environmental awareness are driving public authorities and waste management companies toward innovative solutions that optimize waste collection and monitor service usage. The European smart waste management market is experiencing strong growth, with IoT technologies enabling reduced operating costs, increased efficiency, and the adoption of pay-as-you-throw billing models.
The client and its needs
A major environmental services company partnered with FAE Technology to develop an innovative wearable device for waste collection operators and automated container management.
The key requirements were:
- Automatically identify the operator and associate them with the correct container
- Allow automatic container opening without keys or badges
- Track usage in real time to implement pay-per-use billing models
- Ensure high reliability in harsh field conditions (humidity, extreme temperatures, impacts)
- Guarantee long battery life and mechanical robustness
The main technical challenge was to integrate multiple wireless technologies (NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) while maintaining ultra-low power consumption and compact dimensions to ensure comfort throughout the entire work shift.
Developed solution
FAE Technology designed a wearable device in smartwatch form factor, specifically engineered for waste management operations. Worn on the wrist, it integrates advanced technologies that make it a communication and identification hub. When the operator approaches a container, the wearable automatically communicates with the smart lock, which unlocks upon recognizing the authorized user.
Each opening is recorded and transmitted to the central system, providing valuable data to optimize service efficiency and enable fair usage-based billing.
Miniaturization: ultra-compact electronic board integrating all connectivity modules in a reduced footprint, resulting in a lightweight and comfortable device.
Smart Power Management: advanced power-management algorithms dynamically regulate consumption based on operating needs. The proprietary firmware activates only the required protocols at the right time, applying deep-sleep modes to unused modules. This approach enabled the device to achieve several working days of autonomy on a single charge.
Ruggedness: a shock-resistant, water- and dust-proof enclosure with components selected to ensure reliable operation across a wide thermal range.
Multi-Connectivity: integration of NFC (for identification and bin unlocking), Bluetooth Low Energy (for communication with sensors), and Wi-Fi (for data synchronization with the cloud).
Results achieved
- Operational Efficiency: elimination of keys and badges, reduced container opening time, and faster waste collection routes.
- Traceability: implementation of pay-as-you-throw schemes in pilot municipalities, ensuring greater fairness and transparency.
- Reliability: significant reduction in maintenance interventions.
- Adoption: full operator acceptance thanks to ergonomics and ease of use, achieving a 100% adoption rate from the pilot phase onward.
- Scalability: planned rollout to all operators and additional municipalities, supported by a platform that integrates seamlessly with existing management systems.
Conclusions
This project demonstrates how technological innovation—supported by advanced engineering capabilities and a deep understanding of real operational needs—can generate tangible, measurable value. FAE Technology overcame complex challenges related to miniaturization, power management, and the integration of multiple wireless technologies, delivering a reliable, elegant, and scalable solution that is transforming urban waste collection.
This success case confirms FAE Technology’s role as a strategic partner for companies seeking innovative solutions in IoT, wearable technology and smart city applications, supporting them from concept development to the delivery of market-ready products.