Abstract
Sensor-based and robot sorting are key technologies in the extended value chain of many products such as packaging waste (glass, plastics) or building materials since these processes are significant contributors in reaching the EU recycling goals. Hence, technological developments and possibilities to improve these processes concerning data analytics are evaluated with an interview-based survey. The requirements to apply data analytics in sensor-based sorting are separated into different sections, i.e., data scope or consistency. The interviewed companies are divided into four categories: sorting machine manufacturers, sorting robot manufacturers, recycling plant operators, and sensor technology companies. This paper aims to give novel insights into the degree of implementation of data analytics in the Austrian waste management sector. As a result, maturity models are set up for these sections and evaluated for each of the interview partner categories. Interviewees expressed concerns regarding the implementation such as a perceived loss of control and, subsequently, a supposed inability to intervene. Nevertheless, further comments by the interviewees on the state of the waste management sector conveyed that data analytics in their processes would also be a significant step forward to achieve the European recycling goals.
Highlights
Sensor-based sorting, being one of the newest technologies for the recycling industry, is hoped to improve waste sorting enough to lead the way into a digitalized future and subsequently help meet the goals presented by the EU in 2018
Sensor-based sorting is a contactless automated separation of particles based on specific features
After analyzing the previous stated four studies [26,27,28,29], it was decided that an interview-based survey would fit best since more information may be gathered in a personal conversation than from evaluating answers to predefined survey questions alone
Summary
Sensor-based sorting, being one of the newest technologies for the recycling industry, is hoped to improve waste sorting enough to lead the way into a digitalized future and subsequently help meet the goals presented by the EU in 2018. These are 70% for packaging by 2030 and municipal waste in 5-year steps to a minimum of 65% by 2035. Sensor-based sorting is a contactless automated separation of particles based on specific features Applications of this method can vary depending on the complexity of the technical design and the number of sensors. The option to combine sensors with different characterization principles [8] especially results in a better quality of the final product, higher product yield and improved valuable recovery [9], Published: 23 August 2021
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