Panasonic and Yokohama trial AI fridge camera to reduce food waste

Panasonic Corporation and the City of Yokohama have announced a collaborative project to test the effectiveness of an AI-powered refrigerator camera in reducing household food waste. The trial will run from October to November 2025 and involve 30 households within the city.

Food waste in Yokohama is rather significant. Households generate approximately 85,000 tonnes of food waste annually. This figure equates to about 23 kilograms per citizen, with an estimated value of 19,000 yen per person.

The trial will utilise Panasonic’s AI Refrigerator Camera (NY-PCZE2), a device that can be retrofitted to compatible refrigerators. It photographs the fridge, vegetable, and freezer compartments each time the door is opened. Through the “Live Pantry” smartphone application, users can view the contents remotely to prevent unnecessary or duplicate purchases. The camera’s AI automatically identifies vegetables and, combined with their date of storage, creates a list of items that should be used soonest. The app also suggests recipes using these ingredients to help ensure they are consumed before spoiling.

For the project, Panasonic will provide the AI cameras, the application, and technical support. Yokohama City is responsible for recruiting the participating households, conducting surveys on changes in food waste awareness and behaviour, and analysing the results. The city intends to use the findings to inform future public awareness campaigns. Panasonic intends to use the quantitative and qualitative data from the trial to develop more effective solutions through its home appliances, solidifying to a long-term reduction in household food waste.