Robot reclaims recyclables from refuse
Finnish company ZenRobotics has developed a device which can autonomously detect and remove recyclable materials from trash, diverting waste from landfills. The currently-unnamed technology consists of a series of sensors which analyze the physical and material properties of garbage on a conveyor belt. A computerized robotic arm removes detected recyclables from the mix. Currently, the device is capable of filtering out metals, concrete, wood, and certain types of plastics. It is relatively compact in size to make installation in existing waste management plants a practical possibility.
During a test using construction waste (which is estimated to make up almost half of all landfilled refuse), the device was able to identify and reclaim approximately 50% of total recyclable material.
(via TreeHugger)
