The invention relates to a system and method of for measuring the characteristics and volume of drill cuttings. The system comprises at least one camera operably connected to a processor for recording characteristics of drill cutting particles wherein said processor is configured to perform particle detection, extract features of said particles, or both. The processor is typically configured to initiate, interrupt or inhibit an automated activity based on the particle characteristics. The method comprises acquiring visual data from at least one camera, performing particle detection using said data, extracting feature data of any detected particles, alerting an operator and/or initiating, interrupting, or inhibiting automated activity.