Automaton Finds Recyclable Goods Amongst Construction Refuse
Kyle Farquharson — April 26, 2011 — Eco
References: physorg & ecogeek.org
Recycling is a dirty job, but in the future there's a good chance that something -- and not somebody -- will do it.
The recycling robot, an innovation from Finnish robotic research firm ZenRobotics, is a machine that thinks like a treehugger. The mission? To locate redeemable materials amongst construction waste and then transfer them to the appropriate bins, saving hours of labour costs that foremen typically aren't willing to shell out for.
The recycling robot consists of a motorized body connected to a Canadarm-like appendage, all of which links to a computer programmed to provide weight and texture analyses, 3D measurements, and spectrometer scans. The bot operates alongside a conveyor belt loaded with junk, and removes items it deems recyclable.
So far, the recycling robot's technology is only 50 percent accurate when it comes to identifying recyclables, but technicians at ZenRobotics say this figure will improve with the development of new measuring equipment.
The current incarnation of the recycling robot is capable of identifying different types of wood, plastic, metals and concrete, but its repertoire is likely to expand in the future as programmers introduce it to new materials.
The recycling robot, an innovation from Finnish robotic research firm ZenRobotics, is a machine that thinks like a treehugger. The mission? To locate redeemable materials amongst construction waste and then transfer them to the appropriate bins, saving hours of labour costs that foremen typically aren't willing to shell out for.
The recycling robot consists of a motorized body connected to a Canadarm-like appendage, all of which links to a computer programmed to provide weight and texture analyses, 3D measurements, and spectrometer scans. The bot operates alongside a conveyor belt loaded with junk, and removes items it deems recyclable.
So far, the recycling robot's technology is only 50 percent accurate when it comes to identifying recyclables, but technicians at ZenRobotics say this figure will improve with the development of new measuring equipment.
The current incarnation of the recycling robot is capable of identifying different types of wood, plastic, metals and concrete, but its repertoire is likely to expand in the future as programmers introduce it to new materials.
Trend Themes
1. Robotic Recycling - The development of more accurate and advanced measurement equipment can greatly improve the accuracy of recycling robots in identifying recyclable materials.
2. Automated Waste Sorting - The use of robotics and AI in waste sorting can save labor costs and increase efficiency in the recycling process.
3. Enhanced Material Recognition - Programmers can expand the capabilities of recycling robots by introducing them to new materials, allowing for a wider range of recyclables to be identified and sorted.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - The development and improvement of recycling robots present opportunities for companies in the robotics industry to create more accurate and efficient machines.
2. Waste Management - The integration of robotics and AI in waste sorting can disrupt the waste management industry by increasing speed and accuracy in the recycling process.
3. Construction - The use of recycling robots in construction sites can revolutionize waste management within the industry, reducing labor costs and improving sustainability.
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