RGS Nordic adopts AI-powered robotic waste sorting

RGS Nordic’s new sorting facility will be installed at one of its Copenhagen sites. (PHOTO: ZenRobotics)

A specialist in the treatment of contaminated soil and the recycling of construction waste, RGS processes around one third of the country’s construction and demolition waste every year.

It recently revealed that it had commissioned Terex Recycling Systems and ZenRobotics to supply and install a fully automated plant, which will feature AI (artificial intelligence)-powered robotic sorting arms. 

Capable of working 24 hours a day, the arms can make up to 9,200 picks per hour and handle objects that weigh up to 40 kg.

Their AI technology means that they can also learn how to better recognise recyclable materials over time, and can be adapted to sort other materials from feed waste, according to shifting market demands.

RGS Nordic COO, Rasmus Brødsgaard Buch, said: “We are investing in a state-of-the-art sorting plant aimed at construction waste which cannot be sorted out well enough at construction sites.

“Using robotic technology, we want to ensure that valuable waste resources end up higher in the waste hierarchy, while better supporting our customers with accurate waste data that helps them document their sustainability efforts within the area of waste.

“We believe that there is great untapped potential in utilizing technology in our sector, and that the robotic sorting facility will therefore be crucial in achieving increased circularity for the construction industry.”

According to ZenRobotics, it will begin work to install the new facility in the next few months and anticipates that the plant will be operational by the summer of this year.

Dr. Jarmo Ruohonen, General Manager at ZenRobotics, said: “There is a growing demand for more efficient waste management and documented resource recycling rather than downcycling of materials, and a robotic sorting plant of this calibre can deliver on both parameters.

“We are proud to announce that the plant we are supplying to RGS Nordic will be equipped with a brand new generation of powerful AI robots that effectively recognize and sort out waste resources.”