Waste management company Bingo is trialing is first ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) robot spotter.

Once fully operational, the AI robot, named ‘Robingo’, will take over some of the high-risk tasks which are currently carried out by the recycling centre spotters.

“We are really excited to have received our AI prototype which we are currently testing at our sites,” said Declan Hogan, chief information officer.

“The robot is equipped with cameras to identify any hazardous materials on the tipping floor and its accuracy will be greater than the human eye due to the AI technology. The robot creates a 3D scan of a waste pile using three cameras – one infrared camera to detect temperature, one camera to see depth and another normal camera that provides colour.

“A spotter’s role is to monitor and direct traffic on the tipping floor at recycling centres and transfer stations, and inspect the loads to ensure hazardous materials aren’t included. The task means that they often come in proximity of moving vehicles, requiring strict communication between the individuals operating the heavy machinery and the spotters,” said Hogan.

“The introduction of Robingo will significantly reduce any exposure to heavy machinery, which is a great safety improvement and outcome.”

According to the waste management company, the end goal for the AI robot is to identify each material type in a customer bin to safely prevent any hazardous materials entering the recycling process.

Bingo also believes it will will provide customers with improved waste and recycling reporting as it learns more about the many waste streams we receive at our advanced recycling facility MPC2, at Eastern Creek in Western Sydney.

Bingo aims to have AI robots operating at all sites in the coming years.

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