SORTING | TECHNOLOGY


flexible packaging, and these materials jam MRF equipment not designed to handle it. “Even 2 to 3% film in overall MRF streams can be unmanage- able to remove manually, often damaging equip- ment, necessitating downtime, and hindering recovery of recyclables,” says Matanya Horowitz, founder and CEO of AMP Robotics. Given their light weight, film packaging contamination finds its way into every line in an MRF, leading to revenue loss or the need for additional post-processing downstream, Horowitz says. The new AMP Vortex reliably and consistently identifies film and flexible objects in complex material streams, then uses an automated vacuum tube to capture and remove the material, deposit- ing it in a configurable location. The AI in the unit is trained to distinguish film in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes, and in a range of conditions, such as ripped, torn, partially obscured, wet or contami- nated. AMP Vortex can be deployed as a retrofit solution in various configurations to accommodate different belt sizes and inclines. AMP Robotics is actively working with initial customers on deploy- ment of the product but expects full production release this year. AMP Robotics also launched Cortex-C, a compact version of its AI-guided Cortex robotics system, designed for consistent, reliable sortation for installation in space restricted locations that are hard to staff or where existing labour can be redistrib- uted. Cortex-C shares parts and components with the company’s standard Cortex system, and leverages AMPs proven robot technology, gripping innovations, and AI for object recognition and patented control software. It is adaptable to an array of conveyor belt sizes, angles and configurations, without the need for costly retrofit or downtime. AMP says it can complete installation of the unit over the course of a weekend with on-site support. Along with the Cortex-C, AMP Robotics has


rolled out its new AI-Advanced Targeting algo- rithms which leverage machine learning to determine the optimal grip area for each item its system identifies, based on the object’s discrete material features and condition. The ability to target and guide a robot to the desired grip area increases yield by learning to avoid creases, holes and other difficult-to-grasp locations on objects. AI-Advanced Targeting learns from experience and adapts to new gripping technolo- gies. The algorithm software


www.plasticsrecyclingworld.com


advancement is available for the Cortex and Cortex-C units. AMP late last year moved its headquarters to a new, nearly 2,560m2


building in Louisville, Colorado,


US. The new facility houses its manufacturing and production operations and contains its R&D functions, including an advanced engineering laboratory. The laboratory also serves as a demon- stration centre for clients.


Sorting collaboration French optical sorting company Pellenc ST launched Compact+, a compact sorting machine designed specifically for complex integrations and upgrade projects where space and access are limited. The machine is designed to interface easily with all types of high-speed conveyors supplied by different integrators, and is compatible with belt speeds up to 4.5 m/s. Compact+ shares the latest advanced sorting technology, levels of performance and options with Pellenc ST’s Mistral+ Connect sorting technology, such as Dual Vision, Metal Detection and Profile Detection for the detection of black and inert materials. The unit incorporates Pellenc ST’s Central Nervous System software platform, which allows operators to integrate future technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things, watermarking and AI in the form of upgrades. The integration of Smart&Share software to its optical sorters now makes the units industry 4.0 compat- ible, Pellenc ST says.


Left: Pellenc ST’s Compact+ unit is designed for installations with space limitations


IMAGE: PELLENC ST September 2023 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 21


Above: The AMP Vortex system is designed to tackle the challenge of film


contamination


IMAGE: AMP


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