A group of researchers at East China Normal University in Shanghai have developed a method of using high-powered 3D scanning technology to capture high-quality data and identify and count beach garbage automatically. They developed an algorithm that would be able to recognize what is and is not trash enough to count it, and even differentiate between different types of garbage. The algorithm was able to accurately count and document about 75% of the trash but was completely unable to detect glass garbage. However the system was able to detect paper, clothing, metal, and plants without much problem. You can read more over on 3DPrint.com: https://3dprint.com/142804/3d-lidar-...s-litter-free/