Robots Enhance Efficiency at Millennium Recycling
Millennium Recycling improved efficiency and material quality by using FANUC robots to remove contaminants and offset labor shortages.
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Challenges
Not enough labor to accomplish the jobs at hand due to the scarcity of available employees in the region.
Ensuring the quality of processed materials was crucial.
Contaminants needed to be removed effectively to enhance recycling outcomes.
Results
The robots enabled higher processing speed, improving efficiency.
Contamination removal - robots extract contaminants before they reach the staff.
Assistance for staff - with material pre-sorted, staff can focus on finer sorting tasks.
Story
Recently, Millennium Recycling faced a significant challenge due to the scarcity of available employees. The low unemployment rate in their area made it difficult to hire and retain sufficient staff. In addition, Millennium needed a way to ensure the quality of processed materials and at the same time remove contaminants to enhance recycling outcomes. Millennium Recycling turned to Waste Robotics for a solution. Waste Robotics stood out for their willingness to collaborate closely with Millennium Recycling. They understood the unique needs of the facility.
When faced with unconventional requests, Waste Robotics didn’t shy away. Instead, they embraced innovation and tailored solutions to meet Millennium’s specific requirements for a system that aligned with their processes and enabled them to modify as needed. By integrating FANUC robots, Millennium Recycling achieved several advantages, including the ability to process materials more swiftly which in turn has helped improve overall efficiency. In addition, the automated system has provided a more streamlined experience with fewer disruptions due to clogs.
Most importantly, the robots are working at the infeed which allows them to extract contaminants before they reach the staff - with material pre-sorted, operators can focus on finer sorting tasks. According to Millennium Recycling’s President, Shannon Dwire, the team at Waste Robotics excel in communication and support. From the start, Waste Robotics demonstrated remarkable responsiveness. Any concerns that surfaced were promptly addressed, ensuring minimal downtime. Leveraging their expertise, they swiftly identified and resolved issues, providing clear guidance and outstanding customer support.
Future Outlook
Millennium Recycling believes that robots will remain integral to their facility. Despite the initial perception of cost and complexity, the consistent performance of robotics to supplement human workers validates their investment.
A key benefit of the automated solution is that touch-up work has been reduced by 50%.
Shannon Dwire President – Millennium RecyclingFANUC Products Used
M-710iC/45M
The FANUC M‑710iC/45M is a 6 axis robot with compact design and slim wrist make it a great choice for handling operations where space is at a premium.
- Max Payload:
- 45 kg
- Reach:
- 2606 mm
Waste Robotics Inc.
Waste Robotics integrates advanced waste handling processes, computer vision, deep learning algorithms and state-of-the-art robotic technologies to enable smaller, more precise, safer and more profitable waste recycling facilities.
Millennium Recycling
Founded in 1999, Millennium Recycling has transformed from a modest startup into an industry leader. With their advanced single-stream process, Millennium strives to make recycling easy and accessible for all and supports communities across the Upper Midwest with their recycling programs. As one of the most efficient material recovery facilities (MRF) in the country, Millennium continually researches and adapts to emerging technologies to stay ahead of the industry.