Brain-Powered, Solar-Powered Recycling

July 6th, 2012 by Tina Casey

Finland-based ZenRobotics Ltd. has been marketing a robotic recycling system that works like the human brain, and now another layer of sustainability is being slathered on top. In what is apparently a worldwide first, the Belgium recycling company Containers Maes will install the company’s ZenRobotics Recycler™ system and run it on solar power.

A Robotic Recycler that Works Like a Brain

Though Containers Maes has enthused that it was a “no-brainer” to choose the ZenRobotics Recycler, the heart of the system is its brain-like controlling technology.

Called the ZenRobotics Brain, the system was inspired by the cerebellum, which is responsible for the timing and coordination of movements. The ZenRobotics Brain uses at least six different types of sensory devices to provide the recycling system’s off-the-shelf robotic arms with a real-time stream of information that enables high-precision sorting.

That includes several different kinds of cameras as well as, 3-D scanners, tactile feedback, and metal detectors.

The ZenRobotics Brain is also capable of responding to changes as well as “learning” from its mistakes.

A Solar Power Solution for Recycling

One obstacle standing in the way of long-term sustainability for the bulk recycling industry is its heavy reliance on fossil-fueled vehicles and machinery.

The ZenRobotics Recycler, for example, involves an energy-sucking conveyor belt in addition to the energy required for running the robotic sorting arms and the controlling system.

The system does cut down on fuel use related to waste hauling, though. Designed to handle construction debris, the ZenRobotics Recycler is transportable and can be installed temporarily on site, eliminating the need to truck unsorted waste to a central facility.

The real “game-changer,” as Containers Maes puts it, is combining the recycling system with solar power and other forms of renewable energy.

Here in the U.S., the gigantic waste disposal and recycling company Waste Management has also been transitioning to alternative energy and energy efficient technology, including its “BigBelly” solar powered trash compactor and various landfill gas initiatives.

Note: Check out YouTube to see the ZenRobotics Recycler in action, check out their YouTube video.

Image (cropped): Courtesy of ZenRobotics.

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Tags: Containers Maes, robotic recycler, solar powered recycler, Waste Management Zenrobotics, ZenRobotics Brain

About the Author

Tina Casey Tina Casey specializes in military and corporate sustainability, advanced technology, emerging materials, biofuels, and water and wastewater issues. Tina’s articles are reposted frequently on Reuters, Scientific American, and many other sites. Views expressed are her own. Follow her on Twitter @TinaMCasey and Google+.

http://twitter.com/vetxcl T. Lester

I’m guessing there’s lower unemployment in Finland and noone wants to work that job.
http://twitter.com/vetxcl T. Lester

Yeah, sure, I get it. Recycling trash is smelly and potentially pathogenic, without precautions – that are common practiced.

Not sold on even more automation taking away jobs that humans do, amidst high unemployment. Still other ways to use solar.
http://twitter.com/vetxcl T. Lester

Yup CONservatives obstruct here, so more rapid development happens abroad , and eventually we end up installing their equipment here, anyway. .

Good thing there’s still some “stubborn” citizens here who ignore the GOoPers.