SnapSort

AI-Powered Smart Waste Sorting

SnapSort leverages Google's Gemini AI to revolutionize waste management. By instantly analyzing items via webcam, it automatically directs an Arduino-controlled platform to sort waste into the correct category—Trash, Recycling (Paper), or Recycling (Plastic/Glass/Metal)—while tracking your environmental impact in real-time.

Features

AI Recognition: Utilizes Gemini Flash for rapid, accurate waste identification.
Live Dashboard: Monitors real-time sorting stats and carbon footprint reduction (kg CO2e).
Hardware Integration: Seamlessly communicates with Arduino to physically actuate sorting servos.
Demo Mode: Fully functional without hardware (Analysis only).
Computer Vision: Captures and processes images directly from a connected webcam.

Installation

Follow these steps to set up the SnapSort development environment.

Prerequisites

Node.js (v18+)
Arduino IDE (Optional - for hardware control)
A webcam connected to your PC
Gemini API Key

1. Backend Setup

The backend handles image processing, AI communication, and hardware control.

Install Dependencies
```
npm install
```

Configure Environment Create a .env file in the root directory:

cp .env.example .env

Open .env and configure your API key:

API_KEY=your_actual_api_key_here
SERIAL_PORT=COM6  # Adjust based on your Arduino port

Start the Server
```
npx ts-node server.ts
```
The server works on http://localhost:3000.

2. Frontend Setup

The frontend provides the user interface and stats dashboard.

Navigate to Dashboard
```
cd dashboard
```
Install Dependencies
```
npm install
```
Run Development Server
```
npm run dev
```
Open your browser to http://localhost:5173.

Usage

Ensure server.ts is running. (If no Arduino is detected, the system enters Demo Mode).
Open the Dashboard.
Place an item in front of the camera.
The system will analyze the image and categorize it. (In Demo Mode, it simulates the sort).
Watch your carbon savings grow on the dashboard!