Our jury of international sanitation experts and our technical working group have selected the top 3 finalists/winners for their innovative ideas on smart public toilet designs.
We received 20 applications from different countries with as many novel ideas submitted to the call. The top 3 finalists match our detailed criteria: (a) Toilet design integrated with tech features (IoT devices), (b) Inclusive solutions for children and disabled (e.g. ramp access, handrails for disabled- friendly toilets) and (c) Affinity with FINISH Mondial programme’s core values regarding feasibility, scalability, and accessibility/cost-effectiveness.
The final 3 winners and prizes will be announced at the live webinar event being held on Tuesday, February 28th 2023, 11.00-12.00 CEST. Join us for this webinar to hear straight from the winners about their innovative and smart public toilet design ideas, followed by guest appearances and insights from international sanitation experts dedicated to the topic.
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We thank everyone for participating and congratulate the following 3 innovations for winning the final round!
S.M.I.L.E (Smart Maintenance Insight by Latrine End user), by Willem van Dijk and Allard Braakhuis from Netherlands
The sanitation system consists of two parts: the device and the online environment. The device are boxes that can be placed on the door of existing latrines. They are equipped with buttons that the user can press if they have a complaint about the latrine. The device can also register motion so one will know how many times the door is opened and the latrine is used. The online environment collects all the data from multiple devices and provides an overview of complaints and usage statistics for each latrine.
How does it address the challenge?
The system provides the user with the opportunity to report problems and non-functional or unpleasant latrines are identified quickly so that the problem can be resolved. SMILE allows for a more sophisticated allocation of resources for the organisation owning the latrines, thus reducing the overall cost of maintenance.
GARV Smart steel toilets, by Mayank Midha from India
GARV smart steel toilets are loT enabled, portable, durable and maintained through automation. GARV smart sanitation hubs house smart steel toilets, bath facilities, drinking water facilities, laundry services and a business kiosk where basic health and hygiene products can be bought. These toilets are based on self-sustainable models.
How does it address the challenge?
Prefabricated steel structures and fittings ensure that the toilets are not vandalised. The loT based technology in the toilets collects data on usage, functioning and user hygiene behaviour. It also activates auto flushing and floor cleaning depending on malodour percentages.
Smart toilets, by Lillian Kusiima from Uganda
These toilets are made of stainless steel with automated flushing and floor cleaning services. They are prefabricated and set up onsite. They are powered by solar panels and include a battery for saving extra power in case of insufficient power supply.
How does it address the challenge?
This toilet technology can be implemented sustainably and the idea behind it is to increase proper toilet usage. Initial costs of setting up the toilet can be high because of the installation of solar panels, boreholes, loT sensory devices, but later this toilet proves to be efficient in reducing the spread of diseases and open defecation.