TAC Luncheon - AI-Based Microscopy for Biomass Monitoring
6/26/2025 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM MST
Event Description
Luncheon Description:
This presentation features an emerging AI microscopy platform called Maji, developed by two process engineers based in Israel. The technology uses artificial intelligence to analyze microscopic images of biomass, offering filament identification, process health assessments, and operational insights informed by submitted process data. This approach is particularly well-suited for facilities that have microscopes but lack in-house specialists to interpret microbiological trends. PureCycle has been piloting the platform since late 2023, conducting weekly monitoring by capturing and submitting sludge sample images and associated process data. The tool has shown potential for establishing baselines and proactively identifying biomass-related issues.
The presentation will provide an overview of the platform's capabilities, the microscopy-based monitoring methodology, and a look into the AI framework supporting the analysis. While still in early deployment, this type of AI/ML application demonstrates more immediate operational value than some digital tools that remain largely conceptual, such as soft sensors and digital twins. Similar technologies are already in use in the medical field—for instance, AI-powered microscopy is being used to identify diseases like malaria in remote areas where conventional lab resources are limited. The concept of remote, AI-enabled expert analysis is highly transferable and scalable to environmental and wastewater applications.
Presenters: Offir Inbar and Sharon Berkovich
We are fortunate to have Offir and Sharon as our speakers for this month’s luncheon. Offir is an expert in AI and wastewater treatment with nearly 10 years of experience and a recent PhD submission from Tel Aviv University. Sharon is a seasoned systems engineer with extensive experience leading global water and environmental R&D projects.
