West London Waste Authority (WLWA) and Kingston University are partnering with universities, technology developers, waste operators and public bodies on a £3.6 million project to accelerate the adoption of robotics across the UK waste and recycling sector.

Testing robotics on real waste streams

The National Waste and Recycling Robotics Adoption Hub (NORAH), led by Kingston University and funded by Innovate UK, is one of eight robotics adoption hubs established under a £40 million government programme.

The project will enable operators to test and validate robotic systems in real operating conditions, initially focusing on challenging waste streams such as textiles, mixed recyclables and soft materials.

Measuring performance and return on investment

NORAH aims to address barriers to automation caused by contamination and the unpredictable composition of waste. Fewer than 5% of UK waste facilities have adopted automation, according to the project announcement.

Trials will generate performance data on classification accuracy, throughput, contamination handling and material recovery. The hub will also provide economic modelling, benchmarking, workforce training and support for integrating robotics into material recovery facilities and other waste infrastructure.

“The National Waste and Recycling Robotics Adoption Hub will help UK recyclers move proven robotics from the lab into live operations,” said Professor Vasilis Argyriou, who leads the project.

WLWA will help test technologies against operational requirements and connect researchers, technology providers, local authorities and waste operators.

The project aims to increase the adoption of robotics, improve the recovery of valuable materials and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Source: West London Waste Authority