Ml-assisted inline detection and sorting system for flexible packaging
A modular, ML-optimized system for sorting flexible packaging using visual sensors, spectroscopy, and robotics. Enhances polymer sorting accuracy and efficiency, suitable for industrial deployment.
Overview
This innovative solution offers a modular inline detection and sorting system designed to tackle the complexities of sorting flexible packaging. By integrating a cascade of visual sensors, Raman and NMR spectroscopy, and robotic arms, this system utilizes machine learning to optimize the rapid identification of polymer type, shape, color, and contamination level. This results in automatic sorting that significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of recycling processes.
Technical specifications
- Modular system design: Allows for a customizable approach with plug-in options for RGB, NIR, UV/SWIR, Raman, or low-field NMR sensors, adaptable to specific purity or waste stream needs.
- Machine learning optimization: Employs fine-tuned Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models for accurate object sorting, with potential exploration of imitation learning for improved handling of films.
- Robotic integration: Utilizes point cloud data from vision systems to enable precise robotic picking and sorting in a collaborative manner.
- Phased implementation: Begins with an industry-relevant pilot testbed and progresses to system optimization and industrial scale deployment, ensuring robustness and cost-performance.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, this system has been validated in a laboratory environment and is progressing towards industry-relevant pilot testing. Future phases will focus on optimizing sensor fusion and scaling the solution for industrial deployment.
About Athlone Institute of Technology
Athlone Institute of Technology was a practice‑oriented Irish institute of technology serving the Midlands; it ceased as an independent institution on October 1, 2021, when it merged with Limerick Institute of Technology to form the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). Its industry engagement paired co‑located applied research facilities with Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateway network to deliver fast, company‑driven problem solving. An on‑campus incubator and the Midlands Innovation and Research Centre offered space, mentoring and commercialization supports, alongside placement pipelines linking talent to regional employers. Research drew on competitive national and EU programmes, notably Enterprise Ireland. Today, technology transfer and collaboration continue through TUS’s Athlone campus via a dedicated innovation and enterprise office and the Technology Gateway network.
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