Binder & Co backs AI sorting with €4 million research investment

Steiermark-based recycling machinery maker Binder & Co has secured orders worth nearly €60 million and plans a €4 million investment in research and development, its largest ever, ORF reported. The company aims to use artificial intelligence to sort waste more precisely.

Chief executive Jörg Rosegger said innovation and technological advantages were essential for European industry to compete internationally. The investment will focus in particular on AI, which the company says can help its machines work more efficiently as conditions change.

Binder & Co is developing sensor-based sorting technology, with AI helping machines distinguish metals and aluminium alloys more precisely. The company sees growth potential in South America, Asia and Africa. It describes itself as a world leader in glass recycling, with machines operating in more than 90 countries, and also works in construction waste and metal recycling, as well as industrial minerals.

The company employs 416 people and says the increased use of AI is not expected to reduce its workforce.