Bengaluru techie builds AI device that shames smokers in public

A tech professional from Bengaluru has created a unique AI-powered device to discourage people from smoking in public places. 

The developer, Pankaj, shared his project in a post on X, saying he built the device because he dislikes people smoking around him in public.

The device works like it uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to detect:

A person standing nearby

A cigarette in the person’s hand

The gesture of smoking

When it detects someone is smoking, it immediately plays two audio clips: a baby coughing and a grandmother scolding in the local language. The idea is to embarrass or alert the smoker so they stop.

The prototype runs on a Raspberry Pi and uses advanced tools like YOLOv8 and MediaPipe for visual detection. The audio system is powered by Sarvam AI. Pankaj is now working on a smaller, portable version using 3D printing.

Pankaj tested the gadget at a bus stand. 

“One guy actually looked around, confused and put out his cigarette,” he said in a post on X.  

In Karnataka, smoking in public places can lead to a fine of ₹1,000. The developer describes his device as a ‘community-driven’ way to discourage public smoking.

In his previous AI projects, he has created an AI tool called BuffetGPT. The tool scans an entire wedding buffet and suggests a personalised eating plan based on a person’s stomach capacity, helping them choose dishes wisely.

However, he allegedly claimed that the project led to severe online backlash, including alleged death threats and abusive messages targeting him and his family. While he said he can handle criticism, he was disturbed by the threatening messages.

The smoking-detection device has now gone viral online, with many praising the creativity, while others debate whether such public shaming tools are appropriate.​