Amp Robotics Secures Largest Purchase Order - Sequoia-Backed Recycling Tech

AMP Robotics, a company specializing in the creation of robotic systems for recycling, has secured its largest order to date from Waste Connections, a publicly listed North American waste management provider.

This significant order encompasses 24 robotic recycling systems powered by machine learning, designed for use across various materials recovery facilities on container, fiber, and residue processing lines, according to the company.

The AMP technology facilitates the recovery of a wide range of materials, including plastics, cardboard, paper, cans, cartons, and numerous other container and packaging types, preparing them for raw material processing.

The system possesses the capability to differentiate between various types of polyethylene, such as high-density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate, as well as polypropylene and polystyrene. Furthermore, the robots can categorize items by color, clarity, opacity, and form – identifying objects like lids, tubs, clamshells, and cups, and even recognizing brand markings on packaging.

To date, AMP Robotics’ systems have been implemented in facilities throughout North America, Asia, and Europe, with recent deployments in Spain and across the United States in states including California, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Prior to the onset of the pandemic in January, AMP Robotics collaborated with its investor, Sidewalk Labs, on a pilot initiative. This program provided residents of a 250-unit apartment building in Toronto with comprehensive data regarding their recycling practices.

In partnership with the building management and a waste collection service, Sidewalk Labs transported the waste to a Canada Fibers material recovery facility, where sorting was performed by both Canada Fibers personnel and AMP Robotics’ systems. Following categorization, sorting, and data recording, Sidewalk Labs communicated recycling performance feedback to the building’s residents.

Sidewalk Labs communicated these insights to residents via email, an online platform, and building signage on a bi-weekly basis over a three-month period.

This initiative offered residents an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of acceptable and unacceptable recyclable materials, with Sidewalk Labs anticipating that this information would encourage improved recycling habits. Participants also had the option to withdraw from the program if they preferred not to have their waste monitored and sorted.

Waste handling companies such as Waste Connections are likely to benefit from the increasing availability of robotic solutions to address challenges within the industry. Recent trade disputes and a strong labor market have disrupted the stability of the sector. Approximately two years ago, China implemented stricter standards for imported raw materials, effectively ending its role as the world’s primary destination for global waste. This change has resulted in increased costs for recycling facilities, necessitating more effective sorting processes.

Concurrently, low unemployment rates have created a shortage of available labor at facilities that rely on manual sorting of waste into recyclable materials and trash.

AMP Robotics’ operations are supported by investments from Sequoia Capital, BV, Closed Loop Partners, Congruent Ventures, and Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, a company originating from Alphabet that focuses on investments in emerging technologies and infrastructure projects.