Robotic picking för quality assurance of material fractions in fragmented scrap metal recycling

Purpose and goal

Metals recycling is highly dependent on manual quality improvement of sorted fractions of different materials. This work is often associated with a hazardous work environment and often constitutes a bottleneck in the recycling process. The aim of this project is to develop a prototype of a robotic system that can partially replace the manual labor in metals recycling, thus enabling increased recycling without exposing personnel to risks.

Expected effects and result

The project will lead to a well-defined picture of the needs of the customer group, and a prototype that demonstrates that it is technically possible to further develop the technology into a product.

Planned approach and implementation

The project contains business development and customer knowledge as well as technology development. At the beginning of the project, a specific material flow from a recycler from the customer group will be selected. Performance requirements will then be defined in dialogue with the recycler. The technology development thus has clear objectives and will be the main focus during the remainder of the project. Initially, the systems for computer vision and picking will be developed separately, with integration takning place during the second half of the project.