Chennai, Aug 25:
The Tamil Nadu government’s plan to automate the return of empty liquor bottles through artificial intelligence (AI)-based reverse vending machines has reportedly failed during trials, prompting authorities to test a new system involving workers and handheld barcode scanners.
The bottle return scheme was introduced following directions from the Madras High Court to prevent empty liquor bottles from being discarded in forest areas, agricultural fields and water bodies, causing environmental damage and posing a threat to wildlife.
Under the scheme, consumers pay an additional Rs 10 as a deposit while purchasing liquor. The amount is refunded when they return the empty bottle to the TASMAC outlet.
The government had explored AI-enabled reverse vending machines that could automatically scan bottles and refund the deposit. However, the machines reportedly faced several problems during field trials.
Paper labels that were torn, wet or damaged caused the AI sensors to reject bottles. Optical sensors were also reportedly affected by leftover liquid, dust and dirt in empty bottles.
Another major problem was the time taken to process each bottle. A machine reportedly took around 30 to 45 seconds to scan and accept a bottle, resulting in long queues and congestion outside liquor outlets.
Frequent technical breakdowns and the inability to operate during power cuts further affected the viability of the automated system.
Handheld scanners tested as alternative
As an alternative, authorities are now testing a manual system involving specially appointed or contract workers equipped with handheld barcode scanners.
Under the proposed procedure, workers scan the barcode on returned bottles and refund the Rs 10 deposit immediately. The verified bottles are then sorted and stored in dedicated gunny bags before being transported by lorries to TASMAC warehouses.
While the new system is reportedly faster than the AI machines, it too has practical challenges. TASMAC outlets often lack adequate space to store large quantities of returned bottles.
Officials also face concerns over injuries to workers handling broken bottles and the need to deploy additional manpower at outlets.
The TASMAC administration is expected to assess the results of the ongoing trial before taking a final decision on whether to expand the new system across Tamil Nadu.