Yes, see our case studies for more info.
EverestLabs guarantees robot uptime and performance through their Robotics Operation Center, which provides 24/7 monitoring for solutions in production. We ensure continual audits, track robot performance, and offer remote troubleshooting to eliminate downtime for our customers.
Not yet, as we are working mainly with MRFs, reclaimers and reprocessors for typical household recycling. But we always work toward ways to expand our offering and capabilities.
EverestLabs works with customers in the recycling industry, specifically Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and Recyclers that are looking to automate their processes using AI and robotic solutions. We also work with Packaging Manufacturers doing AI for packaging identification and recovery.
AI is utilized in the robots and EverestLabs software (RecycleOS) to identify various materials such as plastics, metals, fibers, paper, and cardboard. The AI is capable of detecting and distinguishing different objects with high accuracy, even in complex and overlapping material streams. The AI processes the video stream data captured by the vision system and provides input to the robotic system for sorting tasks based on the identified materials.
The power requirements for the robots are 220 volts for the robot itself and 110 volts for the regular vision system units.
Robots maintain a consistent performance level throughout the day, unlike human sorters whose efficiency tends to decrease as the day progresses. The robotic systems are designed to perform at least as well as manual sorting delivering high recovery rates and purity levels.
The robots are engineered to sustain weather and environmental conditions found in recycling facilities with temperatures ranging from 0 to 40 C. Systems have been deployed in various locations with different weather conditions, such as Minneapolis, Ohio, and New York. Additionally, air conditioning units are installed in all compute boxes to ensure performance in warm environments, like in locations such as California and Las Vegas where the systems are deployed and performing efficiently.
The robot pick performance does not degrade over time. It’s recommended to routinely replace the suction cups, which are provided at no additional cost when they become worn out. This can be done at the facility in under 1 minute. The suction cups are provided at no additional cost by EverestLabs. See our maintenance video here.
As long as suction cups, air pressure and end of arm calibration are maintained, no degradation to performance is expected.
The reporting metrics provided include tracking belt composition, robot performance and pick metrics on a continuous basis. Metrics are used to measure and optimize performance and to audit material flow and recovery rates.
The payback period after installation is typically around four months. See our blog article on ROI & payback and watch our webinar on our payback period.
The materials that are identifiable include different packaging made of a variety of plastics, metals, fibers including, paper, and cardboard. Other more complex packaging types like Tetra Pak can also be identified. New classes of recyclables can be identified with further model training.
Our robots are designed for flexibility and can mount in inclined or spaced constrained locations where humans and other robotics cannot fit. They can be installed on any belt - inclined, raised or cleated.
Robotic sorting excels in enhancing quality control and cleaning up material streams for plastics, metals, and fibers. It's pivotal in recovering misdirected or unsorted items in both last chance and residue lines. Additionally, it's instrumental before baling operations, sorting essential feedstock such as containers or bottles, and specialized tasks including eliminating flexible plastics, separating batteries, and isolating branded packaging.
Robots are managed both remotely and onsite. The remote monitoring team is responsible for monitoring the health and performance of the robotic systems through video feeds and diagnostics from sensors. They can make real-time adjustments and optimizations to ensure the robots are delivering the expected results. On the other hand, onsite maintenance tasks such as cleaning the end of arm tool and switching out suction cups are handled by the operations team at the material recovery facility. The remote team communicates with the onsite team to coordinate any required maintenance tasks that cannot be done remotely.
The Robot Operations Center (ROC) provides 24/7 monitoring for solutions in production, conducts continual audits to track robot performance, alerts if any issues arise for remote troubleshooting, and ensures the accuracy of AI models over time. The ROC helps to eliminate downtime and allows for proactive maintenance and adjustments to optimize robot performance.
Typically 99% uptime during operating hours of the plant.
The robots need to be maintained by switching out suction cups and cleaning the end of arm tool. This maintenance is considered to be extremely simple and easy, and the suction cups are switched out when they are worn out or have any noticeable damage. Additionally, basic training is provided to on-site maintenance teams post deployment, along with a basic maintenance kit for their convenience. See our maintenance video here.
Yes, Internet connection is required on the plant site.
The robots require no more than 3x3x7 ft of space for deployment.
No, customers don’t need to hire a robotics expert. Our robots require simple and easy maintenance tasks. Additionally, we have the Robotics Operation Center that monitors your robot for proactive maintenance and alerts of any potential problems.
A site survey for a recycling facility involves understanding the plant's operations, identifying pain points, and gathering information on the processes being run. This helps in determining the AI or robotic needs of the facility. Based on the site assessment, specific lines are selected as the best fit for the Vision system, ensuring a tailored and efficient solution for the plant's requirements.
Yes, we will work with you on customization requirements.
EverestLabs greatly respects data security and privacy. Identifiable customer data will never be shared with anyone outside of the organization. Unidentifiable and anonymized object and meta data can be used to make product experience and AI models better.
Yes, we have 24/7 monitoring with our Robotic Operation Center for remote troubleshooting. Customers are also provided a customer success rep to address any other issues or dispatch onsite support.
You can also contact us here.
Yes, upon request.