_{Visual concept of Zerone. Not final hardware.}

Zerone is not just a recycling machine—it's a self-contained ecosystem designed to transform inorganic waste into essential materials and power, making sustainable living possible anywhere, from the Martian surface to the most remote regions on Earth.

Zerone is inspired by the challenges of life on Mars, where everything—air, water, tools—must be made from what you have. Leveraging vision-based AI and advanced material processing, Zerone enables habitats to thrive without constant resupply, turning trash into tomorrow’s building blocks.

On Mars, resources are precious and resupply from Earth is slow, expensive, and uncertain. Mars’ surface is covered in regolith, a rocky soil, and its thin atmosphere and temperature swings present unique challenges (Mars Science, NASA).
NASA’s Perseverance rover explores Jezero Crater, a region once filled with water but now dry and barren (Explore Jezero Crater).
Settlers will need to recycle every scrap of material to build, repair, and shield their habitats.

      +-------------------------------------------------+
      |                Zerone Main Unit                 |
      +-------------------------------------------------+
      |   [1] Input Chamber                             |
      |   [2] Vision & AI Classification (RF-DETR)      |
      |   [3] Sorting Mechanism & Channels              |
      |   [4] Material Processing Modules               |
      |       - Plastic Extruder (3D Filament)          |
      |       - Metal Compactor (Blocks, Shielding)     |
      |       - Textile Bonder (Insulation Mats)        |
      |   [5] Energy Recovery (Thermoelectric)          |
      |   [6] Output Bays                               |
      +-------------------------------------------------+

• Input: Users deposit mixed waste into the top chamber.
• Classification:
  • Overhead camera streams images to a Raspberry Pi.
  • RF-DETR segmentation AI (optimized for low-power edge devices) identifies plastic, metal, and textile items.
• Sorting:
  • Micro-actuated flaps channel waste to the correct module.
• Processing:
  • Each material is processed using specialized mechanisms.
• Energy Recovery:
  • Heat from processing is converted back to electricity, powering Zerone and its environment.
• Output:
  • Processed materials are deposited in easy-access trays.

Diagram: Vision System Workflow

[Waste Item] ➜ [Camera Scan] ➜ [RF-DETR AI on Raspberry Pi] ➜ [Material Type: Plastic | Metal | Textile]
                                           |
                                  ┌─────────────────┐
                                  | Sorting Command |
                                  └─────────────────┘

• Why RF-DETR?
  RF-DETR (Region-Free Detection Transformer) is chosen for its speed, modularity, and ability to run on a Raspberry Pi. It segments and classifies objects instantly, allowing real-time sorting.

Diagram: Plastics Channel

[Plastic Item] ➔ [Shredder] ➔ [Heated Extruder] ➔ [Filament Spool]
                                   │
                      [Temperature Control Loop]

• Output: Spools of filament for 3D printers—essential for repairs and new tools on Mars.

Diagram: Metals Channel

[Metal Scrap] ➔ [Crusher/Compactor] ➔ [Optional Induction Melter] ➔ [Blocks/Ingot Mold]
                           │
         [Pressure Sensor & Safety Interlock]

• Output: Dense blocks for manufacturing, radiation shielding, or construction.

Diagram: Textiles Channel

[Textile Waste] ➔ [Shredder] ➔ [Layering Tray] ➔ [Bonding/Press] ➔ [Insulation Mat]

• Output: Flexible mats for thermal or acoustic insulation—critical for habitats facing Mars’ temperature extremes.

Diagram: Energy Pathways

[Processing Heat] ➔ [Thermoelectric Generator] ➔ [Battery/Power Bus]
      │                                         ▲
      └─────[Energy Feedback Loop]───────────────┘

• Typical Power Use: 60–150W per cycle (peak).
• Recovered Energy: Up to 40% of expended energy is channeled back.
• Why it works on Mars: Energy is always at a premium. Zerone’s feedback ensures minimal waste and maximum autonomy.

• Inspired by Martian regolith simulant research (UCF Mars Simulant)
  Zerone’s modules are made to handle abrasive, dusty environments and non-Earth materials.
• Jezero Crater as Model Habitat
  The Perseverance rover’s mission in Jezero Crater (Explore Jezero Crater Delta) illustrates the need for robust, multipurpose systems like Zerone to support life in dusty, rocky regions.
• Earth Applications:
  Urban, remote, or disaster-stricken areas can use Zerone for sustainable, on-site recycling.

    +---------------------------+
    |         Zerone            |
    | ┌───────┬───────┬───────┐ |
    | |Plastic| Metal |Textile| |
    | └───────┴───────┴───────┘ |
    |         [Camera]          |
    |         [LCD UI]          |
    | ┌───────────────────────┐ |
    | | Processing Modules    | |
    | | Filament | Blocks |Mat| |
    | └───────────────────────┘ |
    |   [Energy Recovery Core]   |
    +---------------------------+

• Self-Sustaining: Turns waste into everything from tools to insulation, powered by its own recycled energy.
• Edge-Optimized AI: Real-time sorting with minimal hardware.
• Modular & Adaptable: Designed for Mars, but a blueprint for Earth’s circular economy future.
• Inspired by Real Science: Built on the lessons from Mars exploration and regolith simulant research.

• A single Mars mission can generate kilograms of mixed waste per week—Zerone ensures none is wasted.
• Mars’ regolith is fine and abrasive—modules are designed to cope with this, using sealed bearings and dust-proof seals.
• In habitats like those envisioned for Jezero Crater, every recycled gram counts towards survival.

Zerone isn’t just a machine—it’s a new way of thinking about waste, survival, and sustainability, both on other worlds and right here at home.
From Jezero Crater to your city—Zerone is tomorrow’s circular economy, today.