Bengaluru techie creates AI gadget to detect and shame public smokers; here’s how

Public smoking is something many people are uncomfortable with, but most prefer not to confront it. In Bengaluru, however, one tech enthusiast decided to take a different route. Instead of getting into arguments, he built a small AI-powered device that responds whenever it detects someone smoking nearby.Sharing his invention on X, he wrote, “I HATE people smoking around me in public. So I built a device that plays audio of a baby coughing and a granny abusing in the local language whenever it detects someone smoking nearby.”The device uses artificial intelligence to identify people holding cigarettes and even recognizes smoking gestures in real time. This helps ensure that it responds accurately. For the technical setup, he used “yolov8 + mediapipe with some fine-tuning,” while the sound alerts were powered by Sarvam AI. The entire system runs on a Raspberry Pi, making it compact and practical.He also tested the device at a bus stand and shared what happened. “One guy actually looked around, confused, and put out his cigarette. He'll never know it was me.”To avoid making anyone uncomfortable during early trials, he first tested the system using public photos instead of directly targeting people. He is now working on a 3D-printed portable version, which he may release soon.The images he shared online showed the Raspberry Pi setup, screenshots highlighting smokers during detection, and examples of how the device triggers the audio alert.The project quickly gained attention online, especially from people who are frustrated with public smoking. One user wrote, “That could be a great implementation, at least in places that have signs with no smoking areas, and people still do.”Another user clarified that the concern is not about judging smokers but about respecting public spaces. “Now this is the actual thing that you have made. It really irritates me. I am not against them, but they should do it in properly designated smoking zones,” the comment read.The project shows how affordable AI tools and simple hardware can be used to address everyday issues. It brings together technology, social awareness, and a bit of creativity.Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on details and posts shared publicly on social media. The Times of India has not independently verified the authenticity, claims, demonstrations, or effectiveness of the device mentioned.Thumb image: X