ZenRobotics to supply one of U.S.’s largest steel recyclers with sorting robots
Heavy Pickers sort through copper meatballs, wires, and trash from ferrous metal streams with no downtime
ZenRobotics, a creator of AI-powered robotic waste sorting systems, and USConveyor, a specialist in custom scrap metal recycling solutions, have secured a repeat order for seven additional ZenRobotics Heavy Pickers from one of America's largest steel recyclers. This order follows the commissioning of three units for the same customer in 2024, marking a continued partnership with robotic sorting's performance and reliability in high-volume scrap operations.
USConveyor has a century of combined experience in designing optimal scrap metal recycling systems. Their best work lies in understanding the critical design details that enable equipment to perform exceptionally, even in limited spaces. The collaboration between ZenRobotics and USConveyor aims to reshape how recyclers approach efficiency, safety, and purity in metal recovery by integrating ZenRobotics' automated solutions into new and existing processing lines.
Successfully changing how metal recyclers sort through scrap
The first joint project supplied one of America's largest steel suppliers with three ZenRobotics Heavy Pickers to separate copper meatballs, wires, and trash from the ferrous metals stream. The HeavyPickers, equipped with advanced AI, are designed to identify and sort both ferrous and non-ferrous metals with precision. This capability is especially critical as steel producers face mounting pressure to meet stringent purity standards, such as maintaining copper content below 0.1 percent in recycled steel.
The robots operate autonomously 24/7, minimizing manual labour and improving safety in hazardous environments. Real-time reporting and intuitive interfaces empower operators to optimize performance and achieve target purities.
"We are excited to deepen our cooperation with ZenRobotics to offer automated solutions to the scrap industry," said Troy Graves, president of USConveyor. "Our engineering expertise allows us to seamlessly integrate ZenRobotics' solutions into both new and existing systems, even legacy setups. It's important to note that even older scrap sorting systems can support the HeavyPicker robot; a new greenfield site or line isn't always required. The affordability and adaptability of the HeavyPicker make it a viable option for facilities of all sizes."
"USConveyor's systems integrate seamlessly with our robots," said Marcel Vallen, North American Sales Manager at ZenRobotics. "Their deep understanding of scrap system design and the American scrap market is impressive. The success of our first joint installation, now followed by a repeat order for seven additional HeavyPickers from one of the country's largest steel suppliers, speaks volumes about what's possible when engineering excellence meets AI innovation.
"We're just getting started. The demand for high-purity recycled metals, sustainable processing, and safer working environments is accelerating, and we're fully committed to driving the robotic transformation across the scrap sector."
