Veolia Unveils Innovative Robotic Arm for Recycling Operations at Southwark Facility

Veolia Unveils Innovative Robotic Arm to Revolutionize Recycling Operations

Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company, has introduced a cutting-edge robotic arm at its Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) in partnership with Recycleye, an AI robotics business. This state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology-driven robotic arm is set to optimize operations and enhance the effectiveness of recycling processes.

The robotic arm, equipped with advanced AI technology, is as accurate as the human eye and is capable of picking out paper, card, mixed plastics, and beverage cartons from the aluminium line at the facility. By isolating pure aluminium items for recycling, the robot ensures that contamination is minimized, resulting in a more efficient recycling process.

As part of Veolia’s new strategic plan GreenUP, the data collected by the robotic arm will be used to make informed decisions to maximize operational efficiency and monitor changes in waste composition. This innovative approach, powered by AI and new technologies, is set to accelerate ecological transformation at the facility.

The robotic solution consists of a camera, a 6-axis robotic arm, a pneumatics system, and a compute box. Using compressed air and a silicon gripper, the robot picks and sorts items at a rate of 35 to 50 items per minute, supporting frontline staff in increasing the quality and quantity of materials recovered. The data collected is uploaded to the cloud and presented in user-friendly dashboards for analysis.

Aluminium, a crucial material in various industries including green technology, plays a vital role in the transition towards sustainability. By improving the capture of aluminium through innovative technologies like the robotic arm, Veolia aims to meet the growing global demand for the metal and support sustainable practices in industries such as wind turbines and electric vehicles.

Tim Duret, Director of Sustainable Technology at Veolia, emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies to optimize recycling processes in preparation for upcoming legislation. Victor Dewulf, CEO of Recycleye, highlighted the efficiency of robotics in sorting materials for recycling and the significance of AI-powered solutions in achieving greater circularity in packaging.

ACE UK Chief Executive Richard Hands expressed support for the installation of innovative sorting technologies to enhance the recycling of liquid cartons in line with upcoming reforms. The collaboration between Veolia, Recycleye, and ACE UK underscores a commitment to driving positive change through innovation and technology in the recycling industry.

With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, Veolia’s introduction of the robotic arm at the Southwark IWMF marks a significant step towards revolutionizing recycling operations and promoting a more effective and environmentally friendly approach to waste management.

Source: Veolia UK