Robotics & Automation News

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recycling

Carnegie Mellon develops Apple-inspired recycling robot

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A researcher from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science is using robotics to improve e-waste recycling.

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing types of waste in the world, with an estimated 62 million tons produced in 2022 alone. But only about 20 percent of that was recycled. As reliance on tech devices grows, finding ways to salvage and recycle their components becomes critical.

Matt Travers, a senior systems scientist in the School of Computer Science’s Robotics Institute, has launched a new company, roboLoop, that uses technology inspired by his e-waste recycling research partnership with Apple to help disassemble flat panel displays. roboLoop’s robot was recently installed at a facility in State College, Pennsylvania. The new robot speeds up e-waste recycling for flat-screen displays. [Read more…] about Carnegie Mellon develops Apple-inspired recycling robot

Krones Recycling spins off as an independent subsidiary company

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The demand for recycled plastics is increasing rapidly worldwide: consumer awareness is growing, companies are setting themselves ever more ambitious sustainability targets and recycling requirements from international governments are also increasing.

As a company with almost 30 years of experience in plastics processing and almost 25 years in the field of recycling, Krones has now taken the pioneering decision to pool its recycling expertise in the independent subsidiary Krones Re-cycling from July 2024.

Christoph Klenk, Krones CEO, says: “The spin-off will enable Krones Recycling to develop faster and in line with market requirements. [Read more…] about Krones Recycling spins off as an independent subsidiary company

Glencore improves recycling plant safety with ELOKON automated forklift system

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Glencore, a commodity trading and mining giant, says it has reduced safety incidents involving forklifts at its recycling facility in Rhode Island with the use of the ELOshield proximity detection system from ELOKON, a provider of automated forklift safety and fleet management systems.

In a new case study, announced on National Forklift Safety Day, Glencore discusses how it chose ELOshield to retrofit its forklifts due to the system’s advanced warning capabilities, especially in areas with limited visibility.

In Rhode Island, 35 employees work on shredding electronic materials, reducing particle size, and preparing samples for smelting and refining at the Glencore recycling facility. [Read more…] about Glencore improves recycling plant safety with ELOKON automated forklift system

Caglia Environmental launches new recycling robot from EverestLabs

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Caglia Environmental, a recycling company based in Fresno, California, has unveiled what it describes as “a significant advancement in recycling technology” at the Cedar Avenue Recycling & Transfer Station.

This “leap forward” is made possible by funding from The Recycling Partnership’s PET Recycling Coalition. Caglia Environmental was one of 12 businesses and organizations in North America to receive a PET Recycling Coalition grant.

The grant has enabled the installation of cutting-edge RecycleOS-powered robotic sorters developed by EverestLabs. The RecycleOS software is designed to identify #1 PET – which is Polyethylene Terephthalate – plastic into three specialized streams then each robot efficiently sorts the materials into three different bunkers. [Read more…] about Caglia Environmental launches new recycling robot from EverestLabs

ZenRobotics launches new waste recycling robots

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ZenRobotics, a specialist in robotic recycling, has launched ZenRobotics 4.0, its fourth generation of waste sorting robots.

The company says the latest robots have new features and upgraded Artificial Intelligence to optimise and improve the efficiency of waste sorting operations.

Jarmo Ruohonen, general manager, ZenRobotics, says: “Our commitment has always been to work with forward-thinking recycling companies to automate their waste management processes and make outdated, inefficient and unsafe manual sorting a thing of the past. [Read more…] about ZenRobotics launches new waste recycling robots

Robotic recycling specialist EverestLabs expands into India

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EverestLabs, developer of RecycleOS, the “first” AI-enabled operating system for material recovery facilities (MRFs), is expanding globally with the opening of a new Robotics Operations Center office, focused on engineering, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.

India has emerged as a global powerhouse for engineering talent in recent years. The expansion into the country aligns with EverestLabs’ commitment to building the best-in-class team globally to support growing worldwide customers, and propels its efforts to improve the circular economy.

The new Robotics Operations Center office also demonstrates the company’s ability to rapidly scale while impressing customers amidst recent commercial success with leading environmental services and recycling companies including Republic Services, SMR, Pioneer Recycling Services, KW Plastics, Recology, and UWS and so on. [Read more…] about Robotic recycling specialist EverestLabs expands into India

Comau developing fully automated system for battery recycling

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Comau has renewed its commitment to the EU’s Flexible Battery Dismantling (Flex-BD) project for the second year, to help deliver a fundamental pillar on the path towards a truly circular economy.

Flex-BD is a robotized system that automates the entire process of dismantling worn-out electric batteries using a highly flexible, repeatable and standardizable process.

Now, having validated the proof-of-concept, Comau has expanded the scope to include second life repurposing of automotive batteries. [Read more…] about Comau developing fully automated system for battery recycling

Recycling company EverestLabs raises $16 million and reports 200 percent growth

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EverestLabs, developer of RecycleOSSM, which it claims is “the first AI-enabled operating system for material recycling facilities” (MRFs), has reported its key milestones accomplished in 2022.

Successes included rapid customer growth with key recycling facilities, such as North America’s largest commingled recycling facility, more than 200 percent deployment growth for the second year in a row, and the closing of Series A funding that will fuel expansion.

JD Ambati, founder and CEO of EverestLabs, says: “2022 was a year of tremendous growth for EverestLabs, thanks in large part to our customers, partners and employees. [Read more…] about Recycling company EverestLabs raises $16 million and reports 200 percent growth

Green movement creating new markets for automation sector

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It is no doubt necessary to achieve the CO2 reduction goals that the UN and numerous manufacturing companies have set for themselves. The implementation of measures is ambitious and expensive.

However, sustainability efforts also create entirely new markets, lead to attractive business models, and offer great opportunities for the key technology that is robotics and automation.

automatica, held in Munich from June 27 to 30, 2023, presents the opportunities of sustainable production. [Read more…] about Green movement creating new markets for automation sector

Recycling robot tackles electrical waste

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A sustainable circular economy depends on recycled electronic consumer goods. But recycling electronic waste can endanger human workers – which makes it an optimal application for robotics and automation.

To overcome these challenges, the Irish technology company Votechnik has developed a system based around a Kuka industrial robot.

Because of mercury and other gases, as well as sharp-edged parts, it’s dangerous for people to dismantle LCD screens and monitors. [Read more…] about Recycling robot tackles electrical waste