IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Robotic Recycling

The ZenRobotics Recycler looks to transform solid waste management.

robot recycler
One fundamental problem with municipal recycling programs is the task of sorting through the debris collected every day. As they have in numerous other industries, robots are poised to transform this process into one that’s highly-efficient and always on.

Writing for ebnonline.com, Susan Fourtané profiles the ZenRobotics Recycler, the first robotic waste sorting system in the world. Currently designed for construction and demolition waste, the robot reclaims valuable raw materials from waste by leveraging advanced machine learning technology. According to the company, the robot sorts metal, wood and stone fractions. However, ZenRobotics says the system is constantly being upgraded and when its robots learn to pick new materials, customers can buy the new ability as an upgrade.

The robot uses multiple sensors, visible spectrum cameras, and 3D laser scanners to create an accurate real-time analysis of the waste stream being currently processed. Based on the analysis, the system makes autonomous decisions on what objects to pick and how.

ZenRobotics produced this short video showing a pair of the robots in action. Watching robots sort garbage is surprisingly mesmerizing.