Recycling is receiving a significant boost from AI-powered robots developed by Amazon-backed startup Glacier. In Seattle, Glacier has installed four recycling robots with AI vision at Recology's material recovery facility. These robots use artificial intelligence to scan conveyor belts and sort recyclables from waste, enabling the facility to be more effective, safe and reduce its climate impact.
The robots are trained on billions of photos to recognize over 30 types of materials, including plastics, glass and metals. Equipped with computer vision and a robotic arm ending in an air-powered suction cup, the robots can capture around 80-90% of target plastics as they flow by on conveyor belts. Two robots at the Seattle site focus on sorting high-density polyethylene plastics, such as milk jugs and shampoo bottles.
The AI-powered robots can work in areas where it's challenging to place human workers, improving recycling efficiency and reducing labor costs. By accurately sorting recyclables, these robots help increase the quality of recycled materials and reduce contamination. Glacier's technology has the potential to transform the recycling industry, enabling more efficient and effective waste management.
Glacier has raised $16 million in Series A funding, led by Ecosystem Integrity Fund, with participation from Amazon Climate Pledge Fund. The startup plans to install more robots at Recology's facility and explore new applications, including sorting plant-based plastics. Glacier's vision technology is already being used in several other states, demonstrating its potential for widespread impact.
