Assiut University Engineering Students Develop Smart Technology to Convert Plastic Waste into Sustainable Interlocking Paving Stones

With the support of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for innovation and entrepreneurship, a student team from the Faculty of Engineering at Assiut University, under the auspices of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, has successfully designed and manufactured a smart machine to convert plastic waste into high-strength interlocking paving stones. This was achieved using artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The project, named Eco Lock, is one of the outputs of the "Egypt Makes" alliance, supported by the "My Project, My Start" initiative. It aims to recycle plastic waste and transform it into a sustainable construction product, contributing to pollution reduction and maximizing resource utilization.

Initial tests have shown that the interlocking paving stones, made from recycled plastic, can withstand compressive loads of up to 8 tons, confirming their efficiency and potential for use in numerous applications.

This project reflects the success of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology's programs in supporting innovative ideas, linking scientific research with industry, and transforming student projects into marketable applications that contribute to supporting the green economy and sustainable development.