Unreal steel: Finnish sorting company orders 7 more AI robots after successful trial

ZenRobotics, a Finnish AI-powered robotic sorting company, and US Conveyor, a specialist in custom scrap metal recycling systems, have secured a repeat order for seven Heavy Picker robots from one of the largest steel recyclers in the United States. This follows the successful installation of three units for the same customer in 2024, demonstrating growing confidence in robotic solutions as the industry faces increasing demand for high-purity recycled metals and safer working conditions.

What you should know: The Heavy Picker robots use AI and advanced robotics to separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals with high precision, addressing critical industry challenges.

• The robots can remove copper meatballs, wires, and contaminants from steel scrap with particular effectiveness.
• They operate autonomously 24/7, reducing manual labor in hazardous environments while improving workplace safety.
• Real-time reporting tools provide operators with greater control over performance and material quality.

Why this matters: Steel recyclers face increasingly strict purity requirements, including maintaining copper content below 0.1 percent in recycled steel.

• The partnership makes advanced automation accessible even for older scrap sorting facilities through seamless integration into new or existing operations.
• Rising demand for sustainable processing and safer working conditions is driving adoption of robotic solutions across the scrap metal industry.

The partnership advantage: ZenRobotics’ automated sorting technology combines with US Conveyor’s expertise in custom system design and integration.

• This collaboration enables steel recyclers to upgrade their operations without complete facility overhauls.
• The repeat order demonstrates strong market validation for AI-powered sorting technology in industrial recycling applications.

Competitive landscape: The success reflects broader automation trends in the recycling industry as companies seek to meet stricter environmental standards while reducing operational risks.

• The ability to maintain consistent quality standards around the clock gives automated systems a significant advantage over manual sorting.
• As sustainability regulations tighten globally, demand for precision sorting technology is expected to continue growing.