OOO Art Technology, a local technology company, is going to introduce AI-enabled robots for waste management and recycling. The technology is based on neural networks and modular robotics. The company is now conducting a test run of AI robots before marketing them. They will be available for sale in a month.

Avtopark No.1 SpetsTrans, the biggest service provider in waste disposal and management in Saint Petersburg, is planning to implement this technology and is testing 6 AI-driven robots. According to Avtopark No.1 SpetsTrans, the robots can handle 70% of the total waste and separate cans, PET and PE-HD bottles. They can replace 38 workers, but can not replace humans completely. There are many petty and dirty jobs that are performed by humans. So this technology creates a sustainable workforce for jobs that are hard to be filled.

A Russian AI robot costs RUB 5-10 million depending on customization and machine learning. There are similar AI products in China, the USA, Canada, Germany, and they are much more expensive (RUB 30-40 million).  

For Russia, this technology is very promising. Russia is now trying to reform its waste management system which is in a bad condition. The country does not have a tradition of recycling, waste separation and waste incineration. More than 90% of waste in Russia is brought to landfills. Only 7% is recycled, mainly PET bottles. In contrast to Russia, Germany recycles 67% of the total waste. Moreover, many Russian landfills are full or about to reach their capacity limits.

The Russian market of waste-management is expected to develop in the coming years, and this opens up some business opportunities for Belgian equipment producers. The promising areas are waste collection and separation, smart landfills, waste incineration, recycling infrastructure, environmental awareness among consumers, producers and recyclers.