TeknTrash Robotics, Sharp Group partner on robot pilot
TeknTrash Robotics, a U.K.-based company pioneering artificial intelligence- (AI-) powered robotics and motion intelligence for the waste management and recycling industry, has partnered with Sharp Group, a leading environmental services provider in the U.K., to test ALPHA (Automated Litter Processing Humanoid Assistant), a humanoid robot designed to sort waste and recyclables.
Sharp Group’s facility in Rainham, East London, processes 2,800 metric tons of material per week, including plastic, paper, glass, metal, stone and more. Frontline workers have been equipped with virtual reality Meta Quest 3 headsets that record their movements during daily operations. Using an app developed by TeknTrash, Sharp Group workers are capturing detailed motion data—including posture, hand and finger articulation, and synchronized video—that will be used to train AI robotic models.
Through the partnership, which began in April, data will be captured for six months. After passing quality metrics, the data will be fed into NVIDIA Isaac Lab, a leading robot training platform, to generate a model that will feed back into an ALPHA humanoid, mimicking the same movements.
Additionally, ALPHA enables real-time, item-level material data collection that allows facility operators and policymakers to comply with extended producer responsibility regulations, track material flows from cradle to grave, conduct detailed carbon accounting and support circular economy strategies with evidence-based decisions, TeknTrash says.
With Sharp Group, ALPHA is being trained to identify material on conveyor belts at recycling plants, selecting items by material and brand. Unlike traditional solutions using stationary robotic arms, ALPHA is built for mobility, dexterity and perception, trained to mirror human hands and precision, TeknTrash says.
Once testing concludes, Sharp Group will serve as the launchpad for ALPHA’s rollout across the U.K. and Europe.
Motion Industries opens Quebec branch
Motion Industries Inc., an Alabama-based distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts and a provider of industrial technology solutions, has announced the opening of a new sales branch in Quebec.
The new facility officially opened June 2. This location strengthens the company’s ability to serve and expand its customer base in northern Quebec.
“This new branch is set up for success thanks to its experienced team, innovative services and strategic industrial park location,” says Brent Pope, Motion Industries senior group vice president, Canada. “It reflects our commitment to supporting Quebec’s economy by delivering expert solutions and fostering strong community connections.”
The Val-d’Or facility joins a network of approximately 70 Motion Industries branches across Canada.
Services include product order fulfillment supported by a large inventory network, as well as engineering and repair services in pneumatics, hydraulics and power transmission. The location also offers industry training opportunities for customers.
“By establishing a foothold in northern Quebec, we can now provide local customers with faster, more responsive service to help keep their facilities running smoothly,” Motion Industries President James Howe says. “We’re eager to build lasting relationships through exceptional service.”
MSS relocates to new Tennessee facility
MSS Inc., a manufacturer of sensor-based sorting technology for the recycling and waste management sector, has announced its official relocation to a new facility at 1101 Menzler Road, Nashville, Tennessee.
This move marks a significant milestone, according to the company. “This new space not only allows us to streamline our operations and increase our manufacturing output, [but] it also enhances our ability to showcase our cutting-edge optical sorting technologies,” says MSS Sales and Marketing Director Felix Hottenstein.
In addition to a larger manufacturing space, the facility features an expanded test center and demonstration areas that allow for more extensive product testing and validation. According to MSS, clients have the opportunity to experience MSS’ solutions firsthand during live demonstrations, showcasing the effectiveness of the technology and giving them a better understanding of how MSS’ solutions can meet their specific needs.
MSS also has launched a new website, accessible at www.mssoptical.com, that offers what it says is an enhanced user experience and provides easier access to information about the company’s products and services.
MSS’ sorting technology products includes FiberMax, PlasticMax, FilmMax, Metal Miner and Meatball Magnet. It also offers Vivid AI, powered by Recycleye, and L-VIS for high-resolution color sorting.
MSS is a division of CP Group, a San Diego-based company that specializes in designing, manufacturing, installing and servicing material recovery facilities and sorting machinery.
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