Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: The Application of Robotic and Drone Technology in Waste Management

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the application of robotic and drone technology in waste management, specifically focusing on image recognition and deep learning for waste identification and categorisation. Due to urbanisation and the rapid growth of modern cities, ecosystems face challenges such as waste management. Therefore, there is a growing trend to develop innovative, efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions. These solutions include integrating advanced technologies such as robotic and drone technologies. It is coupled with artificial intelligence (AI), particularly image recognition and deep learning algorithms, which have emerged as promising tools to enhance waste management processes. The methodology of this review involves a comprehensive search of databases such as IEEE Xplore for studies published up to June 2024. The inclusion criteria are studies that describe the use of robotics and drones equipped with image recognition and deep learning capabilities in waste management settings. The primary outcomes assessed include the accuracy of waste identification, the efficiency of waste categorisation, and the overall impact on waste management practices. The results of this meta-analysis reveal significant advancements in the accuracy and efficiency of waste management processes facilitated by robotic and drone technologies. Image recognition and deep learning algorithms have shown high efficacy in identifying and categorising various types of waste, thereby optimising the sorting and recycling process. Furthermore, the application of these technologies has demonstrated potential in reducing human exposure to hazardous waste, improving the speed of waste processing, and enhancing the precision of waste data collection for better environmental management. This review discusses the implications of these findings for developing intelligent waste management systems. It highlights the role of robotic and drone technology in advancing sustainable waste management practices, addressing challenges such as waste segregation and recycling rates. Additionally, the review identifies gaps in current research. It suggests directions for future studies, emphasising the need for scalable solutions and integrating these technologies into existing waste management frameworks. Through this analysis, the review contributes to understanding how emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve environmental sustainability and waste management efficiency.