UK-based TeknTrash Robotics has partnered with environmental services provider Sharp Group to test ALPHA, an advanced humanoid robot designed to revolutionize waste sorting. The pilot at Sharp Group's Rainham facility—processing 2,800 tonnes of waste weekly—uses Meta Quest 3 headsets to capture workers' movements, training ALPHA's AI models for precision waste handling.

Every year, improperly disposed lithium-ion batteries pose hidden dangers at waste processing facilities. These tiny power sources—sometimes no bigger than a coin—can spark fires, damage equipment, and harm the environment. When crushed or punctured during sorting, they may ignite or even explode. Spotting them in a pile of scrap metal is nearly impossible.

Juno Technology uses a wet processing system to reclaim contaminated fiber.