Greyparrot's device is a set of visual and infrared cameras connected to a computer, which monitors trash as it passes by on a conveyor belt and labels it under 70 categories. Waste plants could connect these AI systems to sorting robots to help them separate trash from recyclables more accurately. They could also use the AI as a quality control system to measure how well they're sorting trash from recyclables. This could help plant managers improve their assembly lines to recover more recyclables, or verify that a bundle of recyclables is free of contaminants, which would allow them to sell for a higher price.
Key takeaways:
- The world's largest builder of recycling plants is partnering with a startup to install AI-powered systems for sorting recycling, with plans to retrofit thousands of facilities worldwide.
- The AI system, developed by Greyparrot, can analyze and identify every item that passes through a waste plant, helping to reduce contamination of recyclables.
- Greyparrot's AI tools can potentially increase the percentage of glass, plastic, metal, and paper that makes it to recycling facilities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
- The AI system can also identify the brands on individual items, potentially holding companies accountable for producing non-recyclable packaging.