Robotics and Automation

AMP Robotics and Waste Connections Reach Recycling Technology Milestone

AMP Robotics news
AMP Robotics Corp. (“AMP”), a pioneer in AI, robotics, and infrastructure for the waste and recycling industry, has expanded its partnership with Waste Connections, Inc. (TSX/NYSE: WCN), its largest customer. Since late 2020, Waste Connections has booked or deployed 50 of AMP’s high-speed robotics systems on plastic, fiber, and residue lines, becoming the largest operator of AI-guided robotics in the industry.

“It’s gratifying to reach this milestone with a leader in resource recovery like Waste Connections. We’ve worked tirelessly to deliver AI and robotics systems that modernize today’s recycling operations by increasing productivity, stabilizing costs, and improving the quality and value of recycled commodities, We remain committed to the continuous enhancement of our AI and automation solutions to stay ahead of industry challenges, exceed customer expectations, and support the industry’s sustainability and climate goals.”

-Matanya Horowitz, founder and CEO of AMP Robotics. 

AMP’s technology identifies and recovers plastics, cardboard, paper, cans, cartons, and many other containers and packaging types reclaimed for raw material processing. For example, AMP recovers a portfolio of #1-#7 plastics in a variety of different form factors, colors, and opacities with high precision and purity. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) together account for a majority of recycled plastic demand, with growing interest in polypropylene (PP)—a highly recyclable polymer with high demand in food-safe applications and flexibility to accommodate packaging in a variety of shapes and sizes. The ability to precisely separate different plastics and other recyclables with AI-driven sorting is helping recyclers meet the soaring need for sufficient quantities of high-quality recycled content from brands and packaging producers.

“We’re excited to expand our relationship with AMP, We’re impressed by the reliability of the robotics systems and the quality of the end product. We look forward to our continued partnership with AMP as we advance our sustainability initiatives.”

-Dan Kurtz, director of recycling for Waste Connections. 
About AMP Robotics® Corp-
AMP Robotics is modernizing the world’s recycling infrastructure by applying AI and automation to increase recycling rates and economically recover recyclables reclaimed as raw materials for the global supply chain. The AMP Cortex™ high-speed robotics system automates the identification and sorting of recyclables from mixed material streams. The AMP Neuron™ AI platform continuously trains itself by recognizing different colors, textures, shapes, sizes, patterns, and even brand labels to identify materials and their recyclability. Neuron then guides robots to pick and place the material to be recycled. Designed to run 24/7, all of this happens at superhuman speed with extremely high accuracy. AMP Clarity™ provides data and material characterization on what recyclables are captured and missed, helping recycling businesses and producers maximize recovery. With deployments across North America, Asia, and Europe, AMP’s technology recovers recyclables from municipal collection, precious commodities from electronic scrap, high-value materials from construction and demolition debris, and valuable feedstocks from organic material.

About Waste Connections-
Waste Connections is an integrated solid waste services company that provides non-hazardous waste collection, transfer and disposal services, along with resource recovery primarily through recycling and renewable fuels generation. Waste Connections serves more than eight million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in mostly exclusive and secondary markets across 44 states in the U.S. and six provinces in Canada. Waste Connections also provides non-hazardous oilfield waste treatment, recovery, and disposal services in several basins across the U.S., as well as intermodal services for the movement of cargo and solid waste containers in the Pacific Northwest. Waste Connections views its Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) efforts as integral to its business, with initiatives consistent with its objective of long-term value creation. The company’s long-term, aspirational ESG targets include the expansion of resource recovery through recyclable commodities.

Spotlight

Other News
Design, Mechanical and Motion Systems, Engineering Tech

SPX FLOW Launches Universal 2 ND Pump Series Designed Uniquely for Industrial Market

PR Newswire | January 29, 2024

SPX FLOW, has released the Universal® 2 ND Positive Displacement Pump (U2 ND) Series designed with industrial users in mind. The pumps offer the quality and durability the Waukesha Cherry-Burrell brand is known for while optimizing cost and suitability for the industrial market. The U2 ND series significantly expands the WCB pump range, aimed at enhancing reliability and performance across industrial applications while outperforming other pump styles, such as industrial lobe, gear or progressive cavity pumps.The design features improvements uniquely suited for industrial applications, including: Total cost of ownership: The pumps ensure a long running life, given their robust construction materials and designs tailored for each application. Because of its high volumetric efficiency, the pumps can be used to dose fluids, eliminating the need for an additional metering pump.  Efficiency: The U2 ND pump reduces slip, which occurs when fluids move backward from the liquid flow due to internal clearances. Lower slip means more efficiency, reducing the need for higher horsepower motors. Also, the series can process fluids over longer spans due to its high-pressure capability, which reduces the need for multiple pumps in these applications. Reliability: WCB is a proven and trusted global brand dating back to the 1880s. The pumps are made with durable, corrosive-resistant materials compatible with industrial environments. A robust design, equipped with industrial flanges or sanitary fittings, ensures manufacturers can choose the configuration to meet their needs.  Additionally, an extensive sales channel and domestic manufacturing footprint support this pump series, enabling quick deliveries on standardized parts across the entire Universal pump product line. The U2 ND series is complemented by the Universal Industrial 5000 series, which is tailored for users who require OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) seals for their industrial pumping operations. Julien Bassett, Pumps Global Product Manager: "Waukesha Cherry-Burrell has extensive experience offering pumps to customers built with their needs in mind. We wanted to expand our offerings to provide quality and durability of the SPX FLOW brand while catering to the unique needs of industrial manufacturers and their applications."

Read More

Market, Engineering Tech, Construction

JRM Construction Completes New Headquarters for Rémy Cointreau at 3 Times Square

PR Newswire | January 30, 2024

<p>JRM Construction Management is proud to announce the completion of a sophisticated project for Rémy Cointreau, a leading international premium spirits distributor. Their new headquarters, spanning 29,850 square feet, is located on the 20th floor of Rudin Management's 3 Times Square tower in New York City.</p><p>Under the guidance of JRM, and in collaboration with TPG Architects, RDA, and Cresa Project Management, the team crafted a full-floor headquarters that embodies Rémy Cointreau's signature luxury brand. The space includes state-of-the-art collaborative work areas, and features high-end bars, perfect for hosting company events and entertaining clients, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and hospitality. Additionally, the new conference rooms are equipped with cutting-edge presentation capabilities, enhancing communication and collaboration among Rémy Cointreau's team members.</p><p>Marc Reissman, Executive VP at JRM, expressed his pride in the project, stating, "Collaborating with Rémy Cointreau to bring their vision to life was a true pleasure. The attention to detail and seamless integration of artistic elements in the design reflects the brand's essence perfectly. This project stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence and our ability to transform visions into inspiring realities."</p>

Read More

Engineering Tech, Construction

PirTano Construction acquires Powerlink Electric

PR Newswire | January 25, 2024

PirTano Construction Company, Inc. ("PirTano"), a leading Midwest-based infrastructure and utility services-focused underground construction company operating in the communications and sewer & water sectors, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Powerlink Electric ("Powerlink"). The transaction closed on November 17, 2023. Mike Piraino, President of PirTano, said, "The acquisition of Powerlink will operate as a new electrical division, and brings additional service offerings and bench strength of employees as we look forward to continuing to support our customers while capitalizing on additional opportunities." Founded in 2006 by Doug Pantle and Steve Lipinski, Powerlink Electric ("Powerlink"), is a full-service electrical and telecommunications contractor based in Vernon Hills, Illinois with an outstanding reputation in its regional marketplace and is well known for the reliability and quality of its service. Powerlink primarily focuses on commercial and industrial projects and operates in Northeastern Illinois and surrounding areas. Powerlink will continue to operate under the current leadership as a wholly owned subsidiary of PirTano. Rising Point Capital ("RPC"), commented on the transaction, "Doug and Steve have built a tremendous reputation in its marketplace. We are very excited to partner with them to help accelerate their growth and with leading a new division at PirTano."Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, served as the exclusive advisor to Powerlink. Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A – Central Region, Michael Goss, Stephen Dinehart, a Generational Group Authorized Affiliate, with support from Vice President, M&A, Lance Thomasson successfully closed the deal.

Read More

Engineering Tech, Construction

Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

Read More

Spotlight

Resources