ZAV Recycling AG, a leading Swiss company in waste recycling, has marked a significant achievement in sustainable waste management with the successful installation and commissioning of a ZenRobotics® Heavy Picker at its Hinwil facility in Zurich.

Source: WasteAdvantageMag

This advanced robotics solution, provided by Swiss distributor AA Protun AG for dry bottom ash treatment, is yielding impressive results by effectively processing non-ferrous metals from bottom ash, resulting in enhanced recovery rates and increased processing capacity.

Innovative Technology for Efficient Sorting

The Heavy Picker leverages AI-based computer vision and robotic precision to identify and separate valuable metals and minerals from bottom ash fractions that traditional systems frequently overlook. While stone, inert, and hardcore materials pass through, the system sorts the remaining metals and unburnt fractions directly from the conveyor belt. By automating these intricate tasks, the system boosts efficiency, minimizes manual handling, and enhances workplace safety.

This technology allows us to recover more valuable metals from bottom ash than ever before, which is a major step forward for sustainability. It strengthens our commitment to the circular economy and helps us reduce landfill residues significantly.

^{Oliver Schäppi of ZAV Recycling, CEO from January 1st}

Exceptional Performance and Flexibility

This cutting-edge system can execute up to 2,300 picks per hour per arm and is capable of managing items weighing up to 40 kg and measuring up to 1.5 meters in size. With the ability to deploy multiple robotic arms as needed, it achieves an impressive 99% purity in recovered materials, making it an effective solution for high-throughput, high-precision sorting in challenging recycling environments.

We are delighted to support ZAV Recycling in their transition to AI-powered sorting. Our Heavy Picker technology is designed to help operators achieve higher recovery rates and operational flexibility while making waste treatment safer and more sustainable.

^{Juha Mieskonen, General Manager at ZenRobotics}

The Hinwil site, where ZAV Recycling operates, also hosts KEZO, one of Switzerland's foremost waste-to-energy facilities. The incineration process at KEZO generates the bottom ash that ZAV Recycling now processes using these advanced AI robotics. This partnership highlights the potential for collaboration between waste-to-energy and recycling organizations to optimize resource recovery and enhance environmental performance.