Steinert debuts UniSort Unibot

SteinertUniSort Unibot

Steinert GmbH, Cologne, Germany, has released its UniSort Unibot sorting robot. According to a news release from Steinert, the UniSort Unibot combines sensor technology with modern robotics to increase the efficiency of sorting facilities. With the UniSort Unibot, artificial intelligence- (AI-) based recognition software ensures precise detection, and a new sorting principle ensures a pure plastic fraction in the final sorting step. The UniSort Unibot can used in combination with Steinert’s UniSort near-infrared (NIR) sensor sorting systems of the Evo 5.0 generation to provide facilities with more automated sorting systems.

According to Steinert, the machine relies on sorting programs that are facilitated by a combination of sensors made up of high-resolution NIR and colored cameras. This combination is found in other UniSort Evo 5.0 models and is unique in sorting technology. The machine is designed for precise detection through extremely high-resolution hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology, and it provides optimized detection software for fast data processing even with high belt loads.

Like other UniSort sorters, Steinert says its UniSort Unibot benefits from the level of development on the UniSort Evo 5.0 models that are characterized by high availability and extended capabilities for self-diagnosis, which means that operating states can be monitored and the available personnel can be deployed effectively.

The UniSort Unibot checks and assesses the quality of material flow using sensors, which guarantees that the final product is of the best quality and creates an interface for digitally processing the data. According to Steinert, this capability makes it possible to react to the material flow immediately so that legal or customer-specific requirements can be met.

UniSort Unibot also relies on the use of the AI-based intelligent object identifier. In addition to the previously optically detectable characteristic, the sorting program benefits from optical properties of the objects, Steinert says, which improves the sorting process and performance.

Additionally, the UniSort Unibot is a modern delta robot with a specially developed tool adapter to offer fast speeds and high accuracy in small spaces. The robot has a modified sorting principle for high product purity. Steinert reports that the high-speed delta robot can offer up to 60 picks per minute. The company says the flexible unit design also ensures adaptability to local requirements.

Steinert adds that the robot cell is individually adapted to meet customers’ requirements. A second robot can be added for higher throughputs.