Contact
Resume
How Old Is Your Banana
2024
Image Classification, Tensorflow, Teachable Machine, Arduino Tiny Machine Learning Kit, Python, Arduino Thermal Printer.
This creative project is designed to both demystify the banana browning process and engage users in reducing food waste. Using machine learning and image classification, this interactive device allows users to scan their bananas via a camera connected to an Arduino Tiny Machine Learning Kit.
The system analyzes the greyscale image to determine the banana's browning stage, focusing specifically on the formation of brown spots. After scanning, the device prints the analysis on a receipt using an Arduino printer. This receipt provides practical information, including the banana’s exact ripeness stage, an optimal consumption idea, recipe suggestions, and an estimate of the carbon dioxide saved by not discarding the banana prematurely. These personalized insights encourage consumers to make more informed decisions, helping to reduce unnecessary food waste.
Interestingly, around 60% of human genes have a recognizable counterpart in the banana genome, adding a layer of curiosity to the project—knowing the "age" of your banana might make you think twice before discarding it. Overripe bananas, often dismissed as unappealing, are rich in potassium and magnesium, offering important health benefits, particularly for heart health.
At a broader level, this project not only sheds light on the nutritional advantages of different ripeness stages but also explores broader societal themes. Just as overripe bananas are overlooked despite their benefits, people too are often judged by superficial appearances. "How Old Is Your Banana?" encourages us to reconsider these judgments, both in how we perceive food and how we view each other. Brown spots on a banana—or on a person—aren’t flaws; they represent unique journeys, with value and purpose at every stage. Ultimately, this project serves as more than just a ripeness indicator—it’s a reminder that every stage of life, whether in bananas or humans, holds intrinsic worth.