ZenRobotics Recycler saves the Planet from Waste

ZenRobotics Recycler is a robotic waste sorting system. Built with off the shelf industrial robotics components, the system utilizes machine learning to separate raw materials from waste. ZenRobotics Recycler is designed for commercial and industrial (C&I) waste, municipal solid waste (MSW), and construction (CND) waste.

The ZenRobotics Recycler has multiple sensor inputs to identify items and raw materials. The sensors can analyze the waste unlike any other sorting method. The sensor include Visible spectrum cameras, NIR, 3D laser scanners, haptic sensors, and transillumination to name some. Thanks to the sensors, a diverse and accurate analysis of waste is possible for the first time.

Unlike any other sorting method, ZenRobotics Recycler can perform multiple simultaneous sorting tasks; reclaim various raw materials and remove contaminants from the main stream. For example, contaminant removal may include the separation of unwanted materials like electronics, PVC, and minerals from the resulting burnable fraction.

The robot is also smaller than the large machine that was used in the Osaka University’s technology for recycling robots. This makes it easier to integrate into existing waste management facilities. The robot can currently identify metals, concrete, wood and certain types of plastics.