Machinex’s new sorting robot SamurAI will make its debut at WasteExpo 2018, held April 24-26 in Las Vegas.

Featuring a unique 4 articulations robot, this machine employs superior artificial intelligence (AI) technology to identify materials for an accurate, positive product recovery or a precise quality control function. The AI operates according to a pre-determined order of task hierarchy to maximize financial return while continually improving and learning from operating experience to assure maximum recognition efficiency.

Compared to a human sorter, which achieves an average of 35 picks per minute, the SamurAI manages to double this average by reaching 70 picks per minute. The SamurAI has been designed to accommodate sorting conveyors up to 48 inches wide while offering a modular design for multiple robot configurations.

In a constant desire to provide the market with the best sorting solutions, Machinex has responded to the requirements of materials recovery facility (MRF) operators. This robotic solution will reduce their reliance on manual labor working in difficult environments, therefore reducing ongoing operating costs while improving overall system performance.

In recent years, Machinex has developed equipment such as ballistic separators and optical sorters for integration into both new and existing sorting facilities to achieve extremely high recovery and purity levels. The SamurAI comes in support to enhance the automation and the performance of the complete plant in order to reach the strict quality standards of the local and export markets and divert more material from landfill.

“We developed this technology further to always answer the evolution of the market needs,” said Pierre Pare, CEO of Machinex Group, in a statement. “Machinex has nearly 35 years of knowledge and experience in the waste and recycling industry, developing and integrating technologies in material recovery facilities, thus ensuring that our clients always remain ahead of the market.’’

After a very detailed and rigorous process to select a partner to provide Machinex with an AI system, AMP Robotics was engaged due to its wide experience and expertise within the recycling industry. AMP Robotics is well represented within the North American market, and its AI technology is installed and successfully operating in several MRFs. The role of AMP Robotics will be to provide the artificial intelligence for the robot, while Machinex will provide all of the required robotic hardware and ensure its complete system integration.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Machinex, an industry leader in material recovery,” said Matanya Horowitz, CEO of AMP Robotics, in a statement. “With Machinex, we not only expand our market reach but gain a truly collaborative and deeply experienced partner who shares our vision of the potential of artificial intelligence in the recycling industry.”

The first two SamurAI will be installed in both the U.S. and Canada immediately following WasteExpo in May. With the two new SamurAI and multiple AMP installations, Machinex is positioned to deliver the knowledge and experience to ensure successful future operations. Further robots are soon to be installed, and a number of other sales are currently being finalized with customers from both North America and Europe.