Kuljetusrinki Ltd, has ordered an artificial intelligence based automated robotic sorting line for C&D waste processing from ZenRobotics. Kuljetusrinki handles large amounts of waste in Helsinki and now things are changing dramatically for her.
Jukka Aro, CEO of Kuljetusrinki, Sami Aro, foreman, Jouni Lilja, head of recycling operations, and Markus Närhi, commercial director of Kuljetusrinki, see significant advantages in waste sorting using artificial intelligence robots. The new robotic sorting facility will start operating in 2023 at Tattarisuo in Helsinki.
“We serve both the private and public sectors and our main goal is to recycle even more of our waste, bringing the recycling rate well above EU and national targets. Sorting waste was not easy in the past, but in the future autonomous robots will do it. That’s a huge improvement,” says Jukka Aro.
safety and efficiency
“I believe in a safe and modern industrial workplace where automation is used as much as possible. Robots make sorting safe. We put a lot of effort into it, because security also means efficiency. Our entire consortium is very proud of our decision to purchase this latest technology. Who wouldn’t want to work in a company where artificial intelligence robots do dirty, boring and dangerous work?” says Sami Aro.
Numerous commodities rallied in one place
Kuljetusrinki’s new, fully autonomous and artificial intelligence-based sorting line includes multiple robots that select clean and treated wood; non-magnetic metals such as aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel; hard plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene; aggregates; and more. Robots can be taught to recognize and sort almost any material. The speed of the robots is more than 6000 picks per hour. The weight of a single item to be picked can be up to 30 kilograms.
non-stop action
The system can be used almost around the clock. Since the operating costs are low and the robots are autonomous, there is no reason to limit the working hours of the robots. The process includes a simple pre-screening step to separate fines and light materials, after which the remaining material is transferred to a large hopper from which it is automatically fed to the sorting robots. The AI-controlled robots work independently, emptying the feed hopper all day – and working diligently through the night.
A solution that adapts to the future
“The decision was easy. We don’t have to build a traditional, complex processing plant, instead let robots do most of the work with an easy-to-manage automatic sorting line, add more robots. On the other hand, if we want to sort new materials, we simply train the robots to do the job. It was an easy decision for us because no other technology is as adaptable and future-proof,” adds Sami Aro.
High recycling rate and reduction of carbon emissions
“A high recycling rate, energy efficiency and the reduction of carbon emissions are very important for both our customers and us. With this investment, we are helping our customers to improve their waste management recycling rate, reduce emissions and meet EU recycling rate targets. So we improve the environment with an active carbon footprint and not just reduce the carbon footprint. That’s our main goal and we’re proud of it,” says Jukka Aro.
digitalization
The robot system scans the waste flowing on the sorting belt with several sensors, the signals from which are evaluated by artificial intelligence. The end result of the process is a huge amount of data about the waste and its composition. The robot system can also be further developed with the help of data.
“We use this information to optimize our production and analyze waste. It doesn’t work without data,” says Markus Närhi. “A lot of our other functions are already quite well digitized, but without robotic scanning we wouldn’t have such a thorough analysis of what we’re actually handling.”
International networking and product development
Kuljetusrinki’s system can also easily be used to test new technologies, as it will be located just a few minutes’ drive from ZenRobotics’ premises in Aviapolis, near Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
“We know our new line will generate a lot of interest and we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world. The international exchange with companies from the same industry benefits everyone involved. We all have the same challenges to solve,” he adds Sami Aro.
ZenRobotics also benefits from being almost within walking distance of the user.
“We are happy to have such a sorting facility in our vicinity. The new facility from Kuljetusrinki facilitates our product development, as new innovations can be tested there at any time. Close cooperation with our customers is important to us,” says Jarmo Ruohonen, CEO of ZenRobotics – A Terex brand.
High quality secondary raw materials
The market for recycled materials is constantly growing. For example, we already use recycled plastic, metal and cardboard in our products.
“With the help of robots, we can produce just the right kind and quality of useful factions. The EU regulation also instructs us to increase material recycling. But instead of letting regulations drive change, let’s lead it ourselves. That’s the best way to stay ahead of the competition,” says Jouni Lilja.
