ZenRobotics Expands U.S. Market Presence with AI-Powered Metal Sorting Robots

AI-Powered Scrap Sorting Gains Ground in U.S. Steel Recycling

ZenRobotics, in partnership with U.S. Conveyor Technologies, has secured a repeat order for seven additional ZenRobotics Heavy Pickers. The buyer is one of America’s largest steel recyclers, following a successful initial deployment of three robots in 2024. These AI-powered units are engineered to optimize ferrous and nonferrous metal recovery by automating scrap sorting lines with precision and consistency.

The Heavy Pickers leverage artificial intelligence to identify complex material streams, removing copper meatballs, wires, and waste from steel with high accuracy. This capability is crucial as the steel industry faces increasing pressure to maintain copper content below 0.1% in recycled materials. Notably, the systems can be retrofitted into both new and existing recycling plants, making the technology scalable and cost-effective for operations of all sizes.

According to U.S. Conveyor’s President Troy Graves, the adaptability of the solution makes it particularly attractive. “Even older legacy systems can integrate the Heavy Picker,” he said, highlighting that facilities don’t need to be greenfield sites to adopt the tech. As a result, smaller and mid-size recyclers now have access to automation previously limited to large facilities.

ZenRobotics Heavy Picker Enhances Efficiency and Safety

The Heavy Picker robots operate autonomously 24/7, dramatically reducing the need for manual labor in dangerous environments. This not only improves worker safety but also ensures continuous operations that meet strict output standards. The integrated system offers real-time performance reports and intuitive control interfaces, enabling operators to monitor and fine-tune production efficiency.

ZenRobotics’ North American sales manager, Marcel Vallen, praised the integration capabilities of U.S. Conveyor. “Their deep understanding of American scrap systems allows seamless integration of our robotics into any setup,” Vallen said. He emphasized that the growing demand for high-purity recycled metals is pushing recyclers to adopt automation at a faster pace than ever before.

Looking ahead, both companies aim to drive the robotic transformation of the scrap industry by addressing market demand for sustainable, safe, and high-purity recycling. The repeat order of seven robots marks a significant milestone in that journey, showcasing real-world success and commercial viability.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The collaboration between ZenRobotics and U.S. Conveyor signals a pivotal shift in scrap metal processing. As environmental regulations tighten and input quality requirements rise, AI-powered solutions are no longer optional—they’re strategic necessities. This move also reflects a broader trend in metal recycling where automation and robotics will become standard, not exceptional. For investors and recyclers, the integration of real-time analytics with hardware automation points to a new era of operational intelligence in the metals sector.