Fusion of blockchain, IoT, artificial intelligence, and robotics for efficient waste management in smart cities
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Date
2025-08-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Association of Talent under Liberty in Technology
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and population growth are accelerating waste generation in cities worldwide, posing serious environmental and socio-economic challenges. Traditional waste management systems, often centralized and infrastructure-deficient, struggle with inefficiencies, unscheduled collection, and a lack of real-time data. These limitations hinder progress toward smart and sustainable urban environments. Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotics are reshaping waste collection, sorting, and recycling. This review examines how these technologies integrate to create secure, efficient, and sustainable waste management in smart cities. An analysis of 184 studies published between January 2022 and July 2025 reveals key shortcomings in conventional waste management systems and showcases the benefits of smart waste management solutions. The results showed that cities are already using IoT-enabled smart bins, AI-driven route optimization, Blockchain for waste tracking, and robotic sorting. However, challenges such as data privacy concerns, limited Blockchain scalability, system interoperability gaps, sensor reliability issues, and high computational demands limit broader adoption. The review outlines future research priorities, including AI-powered waste forecasting, swarm robotics, real-time edge computing, and enhanced cybersecurity. By providing a roadmap for technological innovation and integration, this study supports policymakers, urban planners, and industry leaders in developing intelligent, cost-effective, and environmentally resilient waste management systems.
Description
This paper reviews how blockchain IoT artificial intelligence and robotics can transform waste management in smart cities by tackling inefficiencies unscheduled collection and lack of real‑time data. It finds that technologies such as IoT‑enabled smart bins AI route optimisation blockchain tracking and robotic sorting improve collection sorting and recycling but face challenges in data privacy scalability interoperability and sensor reliability. The study outlines future research directions and offers a roadmap for secure efficient sustainable waste systems. It supports SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG 9 Industry Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate Action and aligns with Uganda NDP IV goals on environmental sustainability urban resilience and digital transformation.
Keywords
Waste Management, Smart Waste Management, Blockchain Technology, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics
Citation
Ali, G., Asiku, D., Mijwil, M. M., Adamopoulos, I., & Dudek, M. (2025). Fusion of blockchain, IoT, artificial intelligence, and robotics for efficient waste management in smart cities. International Journal of Innovative Technology and Interdisciplinary Sciences, 8(3), 388-495.