AI for Battery Recycling
Chris Rodinis
December 21st, 2012
Thanks to the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology battery recycling just got easier.
In fact, this invention is doing so well that 30% of all batteries in the UK are recycled using it.
The inventor’s new technology uses artificial intelligence in a variety of different ways to achieve a faster, more efficient and cleaner result.
The researcher getting credit is Professor Strannegard who came up with the idea while he was sorting his trash at home.
In collaboration with Renova recycling and its R&D department, his idea of auto-sorting collected batteries came to fruition.
The end result is a machine that employs the latest optical recognition technology which can sort up to 600 batteries per minute.
A Neural Network of Optics
The AI (artificial intelligence) component that achieves this process is known as a “neural network.” Neural networks are easily compared to the human nervous system.
Consequently, the machine learns as it works, with sensors delivering relevant information to get the task done.
The battery recycler now recognizes over 2,000 various batteries from snapping pics at millions of angles.
Once the machine has stored thousands of battery pictures, it visually compares them to what is being delivered on the conveyor belt. And it all happens in a single moment.
When the batteries are hard to recognize because of wear and tear, the AI neural program is able to work around obstacles by being “self-learning” and “robust.”
As each type of battery is determined, they are then automatically separated by airguns by their content.
Amazingly, every single battery has an entry record in the system database which stores typical information such as type, brand and model.
The benefit of this is that the recycler will have exact knowledge of his inventory in real time thus making him a stronger player in the marketplace. This is according to the CEO of the founding company called Optisort.
Commercial and Environmental Wins
Truly dual purposes are served here. Not only are there environmental advantages with this Optisorter, there are commercial advantages too!
Currently many companies are spending their cash just to have a recycler get the batteries off the premises. This could change as inventories of large quantities are organized into saleable lots of “raw material.”
This invention has such great real world prospects. There has been strong market interest and the researchers, inventors, programmers and founders are of course pleased with their efforts so far.
Currently as of this writing there are two machines in use. Which brings us to a new interesting fact best stated by the CEO: “This is sparking further research and development so that we will eventually use artificial intelligence to sort all types of waste,’ he says.
Yes, robotic recycling is in our future as a necessity; at least for now that seems obvious.
For an informational video watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OugqnVO7WiU
For more information about corporate e-waste and recycling contact