AI-based Resource Sorting Robot

[INQ. NO. 2608M12] Aetech Co., Ltd. has come up with an innovative method to resolve labor shortages in resource-recycling operations by deploying AI-based robots.
Aetech Co., Ltd. participated in NextRise 2026, the largest startup fair in Asia, held at COEX in Seoul from June 18 to 19, and showcased ATRON, an AI-based resource-sorting robot.
Regarding ATRON, which operates based on 5.5 million data points collected from 24 locations nationwide, an Aetech spokesperson explained, “It demonstrates 99.3% accuracy and processes up to 96 pieces per minute, and sorts a total of nine types of sortable waste, including PET and PP.”

Composed mainly of a vision box and a robotic arm, ATRON recognizes the various types of waste by using sensors mounted on the vision box, and the robotic arm performs the task of sorting the waste into precise locations based on the recognized types.
Aetech developed ATRON based on deep learning to enable it to perform these tasks, ranging from waste-location detection and classification, to plastic component analysis, object- tracking on conveyors, and statistical analysis of waste data.
According to Aetech, ATRON has increased sorting speed by up to 240% and reduced working time by 126%. This has therefore resulted in a 279% reduction in sorting costs and a decrease of 860 kg in daily carbon emissions.
“Working at recycling sorting facilities is perceived as a ‘3D job’ (dirty, dangerous, and difficult), leading to severe labor shortages; however, ATRON can help resolve this issue. Currently, about 35 units have been sold domestically, and we plan to proceed with exports to Japan in the second half of the year,” remarked the company spokesperson.
Aetech’s various AI and robotics-based resource-recycling solutions are being manufactured to increase resource-recovery rates by more than double compared to the rates of the existing waste-treatment industry.
As the quality of recyclables improves and the amount of waste incinerated or landfilled decreases due to the company’s products with improved sorting accuracy, it is expected to contribute to promoting the circular economy by reducing waste-treatment costs and carbon emissions.

 
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