Foodres AI Printer
Food Waste 3D Printing for FOODres.AI
The Foodres AI Printer is a desktop pallet 3D printer that transforms food scraps and organic waste into creative crafts. The machine and app use AI to sort materials through the phone camera based on printable recipes. Users can simply drop in food waste and select forms and sizes to print objects such as cup holders, coasters, decor, and custom designs. The Foodres AI Printer embodies Foodres AI’s vision of promoting real time food saving. This product goes beyond recycling food waste and actively engaging communities in eco-friendly practices on a daily basis.
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FOODres by Yiqing Wang Biru Cao
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Food Waste 3D Printing by Yiqing Wang Biru Cao
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Yiqing Wang Biru Cao FOODres
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Yiqing Wang Biru Cao Food Waste 3D Printing
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Unique Properties
The FoodRes AI Printer is a desktop pallet 3D printer that transforms food scraps and organic waste into creative crafts. The machine and app use AI to sort materials through the phone camera based on printable recipes. Users can simply drop in food waste and select forms and sizes to print objects such as cup holders, coasters, decor, and custom designs. The FoodRes AI Printer embodies FoodRes AI’s vision of promoting real-time food-saving. This product goes beyond recycling food waste and actively engaging communities in eco-friendly practices on a daily basis by combining recycling with design.
Tags
Food Waste, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Print, Sustainability, Upcycling
Production Technology
Unlike typical 3D printers, the FoodRes AI Printer is designed to transform organic waste into functional products, addressing food waste with an engaging, consumer-friendly solution. It stands apart in the market as the only AI-assisted desktop printer focusing on unprocessed organic waste conversion at home. It sits at the intersection of sustainable technology, DIY crafting, and eco-conscious home products, appealing to consumers who value creativity and environmental responsibility. The product reflects FoodRes AI’s vision of boosting the food-saving process in real-time and making recycling creative and fun.
Design Challenge
In the US, every year, 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide is caused by food loss and waste. The FOODres AI Printer transforms organic scraps into creative and functional items. It provides an innovative way to address the environmental impact of upcycling. The AI-powered app provides an accessible way for users to engage in sustainable practices. Beyond recycling, this product fosters a sustainability mindset, giving users a creative and interactive way to contribute to waste reduction. It builds a community-focused culture of sustainability, allowing users to participate in eco-friendly practices actively.
Project Duration
The printable food waste technology was developed in 2024 in Cambridge, MA, US. The prototype was designed and fabricated in December 2024.
Operation Flow
The system integrates computer vision and a self-trained object detection model to identify food types and assess material printability. To reach a wider audience, the machine is equipped with a material processing system that assists users in creating a printable mixture. With its translucent shell and visible internal structure, users can observe the entire printing process. The design features only two openings: one for waste drop-off and another for retrieving finished 3D-printed objects. Its straightforward design and minimal control panel make it accessible to everyone.
Research
This research explores AI-assisted 3D printing for upcycling food scraps into functional objects, promoting sustainability and creative reuse. It aims to develop an accessible system enabling non-experts to transform organic waste into everyday items. Key methods include material analysis, AI-based object detection, and user experience evaluations. Tools used include computer vision sorting, self-trained detection models, and digital fabrication, supported by a mobile app for real-time material assessment. Findings show that AI-driven sorting enhances food waste printing success, and intuitive systems increase user engagement in sustainable practices. User feedback shaped a transparent interface and simplified material processing. The FoodRes AI Printer presents a business opportunity in sustainability, home innovation, and DIY crafting. Socially, it fosters a waste-conscious community, while in design, it advances bio-based material innovation. This research bridges AI and eco-conscious fabrication, positioning FoodRes AI as a practical household solution for food waste reduction.
Inspiration
The project originated from the team’s research supported by the MIT IDEAS program. In the United States, 40-50% of household food is wasted. Before being discarded into landfills or composted, non-edible leftovers and organic waste can still be turned into useful, creative, and fun items. The FoodRes AI Printer, powered by AI, enables home users to access bio-based material printing without professional expertise. It transforms the challenge of upcycling food into an engaging, hands-on activity. Creativity and sustainability come together in the product, resulting in unique, shareable crafts.
Image Credits
Image #1: Creator: Yiqing Wang, Biru Cao, Product Image, 2024 Image #2: Creator: Yiqing Wang, Biru Cao, Product Image, 2024 Image #3: Creator: Yiqing Wang, Biru Cao, Product Image, 2024 Image #4: Creator: Yiqing Wang, Biru Cao, Product Image, 2024 Image #5: Creator: Yiqing Wang, Biru Cao, Product Image, 2024
Project Overview
Foodres AI Printer Food Waste 3D Printing has been a Platinum winner in the Social Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Platinum A' Design Award is recognized for honoring designs that stand at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It is the highest accolade bestowed by the A' Design Awards, acknowledging works that blend remarkable innovation with impactful societal contributions. These designs not only showcase exceptional artistic and technical proficiency but also highlight their creators' commitment to advancing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their role in shaping the aesthetics and trends of our time, contributing significantly to the enhancement of quality of life and promoting sustainable development.
Platinum Recognition
Yiqing Wang, Biru Cao was recognized with the coveted Platinum A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Foodres AI Printer Food Waste 3D Printing.
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