Automatic Crane System with Waste Identification AI

It is important for waste incineration facilities to achieve stable combustion to ensure compliance with exhaust gas emission standards and efficient power generation. Therefore, the homogenization of waste properties is essential. Until now, a skilled operator had to constantly monitor the waste in the bunker (where collected waste is temporarily stored) and load it into the incinerator by crane in a timely manner.

The Environmental Solutions Company has developed an AI system using deep learning that can serve as the eyes of a skilled operator. A camera to observe waste in the bunker uses AI to identify conditions, including how the waste has been stirred and controls the crane in the pit using an advanced control system. The use of AI enables us to identify the extent to which garbage bags are torn, which was difficult with conventional automatic cranes. It is also possible to select waste that is suitable for incineration and automatically load it into the incinerator and identify and appropriately handle special waste (waste that could affect equipment or combustion if it is loaded into the incinerator in large amounts). The introduction of this an automatic crane system using a waste identification AI achieves an operator-less operation rate of 90%. We will continue to develop operation systems that utilize AI and other state-of-the-art technologies with the goal of developing next-generation waste treatment facilities that are not dependent on the experience and skill of humans.