AI Powered RECLAIM Project Revolutionizes Waste Management with Portable Robotic Plant

In a groundbreaking initiative, the RECLAIM project has introduced an AI-powered, low-cost, and portable robotic material recovery plant to enhance waste management, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Initially set for deployment in the Greek Islands, this innovative solution promises to revamp recycling efforts where large-scale infrastructure is impractical.

The RECLAIM system operates through multiple robots equipped with specialized pickers, efficiently sorting various waste types using AI-driven computer vision. This technology ensures accurate identification and maximizes sorting effectiveness, significantly improving recycling rates. The plant’s mobility allows waste to be processed close to its source, promoting circular economy principles and reducing environmental impact.

AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Center, oversees the plant’s operational requirements, carefully selecting the most suitable technological components, monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and refining the system for optimal performance. According to Javier Garu, a mechanical recycling researcher at AIMPLAS. The equipment is particularly beneficial for remote islands, rural areas, and large-scale events like festivals and concerts, where high volumes of waste require immediate treatment.

With its compact, container-based design, the solution has far-reaching potential. Future applications include marine waste management in port areas and supporting existing recycling plants in handling emerging materials like bioplastics. Funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, the project is led by FORTH (Foundation for Research and Technology) – Hellas, Greece, signalling a promising step towards sustainable waste management worldwide.