#Australia #recycling #Perth #Veolia #EverestLabs

Revolutionizing Recycling: Veolia and EverestLabs' Partnership

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable waste management, Veolia Australia and New Zealand has partnered with EverestLabs, a leader in AI and robotics technology for recycling. This initiative marks the first international deployment of EverestLabs' advanced sorting robots in Veolia's material recovery facility (MRF) located in Perth. By leveraging state-of-the-art artificial intelligence, Veolia aims to enhance sorting accuracy and efficiency, significantly impacting the recycling landscape.

The Need for Innovation in Recycling

As the global demand for efficient recycling operations grows, traditionally slow and labor-intensive methods are becoming inadequate. Veolia's commitment to modernizing recycling infrastructure is critical for addressing the challenges posed by increased waste generation and labor shortages. The partnership with EverestLabs is a strategic response to these challenges, enabling Veolia to utilize cutting-edge technology to improve material recovery rates and operational efficiency.

With the deployment of EverestLabs' vision AI-powered robotic sorting system, Veolia is set to transform its recycling processes. This technology offers an exceptional sorting accuracy that can effectively boost recovery rates while enhancing safety protocols within the facility. The ability to automate repetitive tasks allows human workers to focus on other critical areas of operation, which is essential for improving overall facility safety.

How EverestLabs' Technology Works

EverestLabs has designed its robotic sorting solution—RecycleOS™—to be easily integrated into existing MRF setups without requiring extensive retrofitting. Each robotic cell utilizes advanced vision AI capabilities to identify and sort recyclable materials in real-time. This not only increases sorting speed—achieving two to three times the rate of manual sorting—but also maintains a 90% success rate in picking the correct items off conveyor belts.

The robots operate continuously, monitored around-the-clock by EverestLabs' Robotic Operations Center to ensure optimal performance. This constant oversight guarantees consistency and reliability, which are crucial for maximizing throughput and minimizing landfill waste. By significantly enhancing operational uptime, Veolia can now recover more high-quality materials, thereby contributing to a more sustainable circular economy.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Safety

Richard Kirkman, CEO of Veolia ANZ, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture, highlighting how such smart technologies can mitigate labor challenges in the resource recovery sector. He noted, "It is in these repetitive processes that machines can learn through AI and be guided by human intervention, making our operations more sustainable and efficient."

Jagadeesh Ambati, CEO and Founder of EverestLabs, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Our robotic systems are doing the heavy lifting—identifying, sorting, and reporting in real time—allowing facilities to operate more efficiently and safely."

Expanding Global Footprint

The introduction of EverestLabs' technology signals the company’s expansion into international markets, building upon its success in the U.S. recycling sector. Notable recyclers such as Republic Services and Novelis have already implemented EverestLabs’ systems, demonstrating their reliability and effectiveness. The partnership with Veolia marks an important milestone, showcasing EverestLabs' commitment to improving recycling practices on a global scale.

Conclusion

Veolia's collaboration with EverestLabs is a significant leap forward in the pursuit of more effective and safer recycling operations. By harnessing the power of AI and robotics, Veolia is not only enhancing its recycling capabilities but is also setting a precedent for the industry. As technology continues to evolve, such partnerships will be crucial for ensuring that recycling processes meet the needs of an ever-growing world, paving the way for a more sustainable future.