What's Your Problem? Can Robots Fix Recycling?
Jun 19, 2025
Rebecca Hu Thrams, co-founder and CEO of Glacier, brings her expertise in AI and robotics to tackle the chaotic world of recycling. She boldly calls recycling 'the most demented form of manufacturing' and explores how technology can enhance sorting efficiency while addressing labor shortages. The discussion also highlights the challenges of automation, such as developing computer vision for recycling robots. Rebecca breaks down myths like 'wish cycling' and emphasizes the need for stable markets for recycled materials in a shifting legislative landscape.
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Recycling Is Chaotic Manufacturing
- Recycling plants face a highly unpredictable and hazardous input stream every day.
- They must consistently produce reliable recycled materials despite this chaotic supply.
First Robot Meets Rats in Plant
- Rebecca's first robot install revealed unpredictable real-world conditions, including encounters with rats.
- This early hands-on experience proved the grit and reality of recycling plant environments.
Vision Data Transforms Recycling
- Real-time computer vision data radically improves understanding of recycling facility operations.
- This insight opens new opportunities to optimize sorting and overall plant efficiency.