ZenRobotics, US Conveyor cooperate on sorting tech

ZenRobotics, a Terex company that manufactures artificial intelligence- (AI-) powered robotic scrap sorting systems, and U.S. Conveyor Technologies, which specializes in custom scrap metal recycling equipment, have secured a repeat order for seven additional ZenRobotics Heavy Pickers from “one of America’s largest steel recyclers.” This follows the commissioning of three units for the same customer in 2024.

ZenRobotics and U.S. Conveyor say their collaboration is aimed at reshaping how recyclers approach efficiency, safety and purity in metal recovery by integrating ZenRobotics automated products into new and existing processing lines.

“We are excited to deepen our cooperation with ZenRobotics to offer automated solutions to the scrap industry,” says Troy Graves, president of Mackinaw, Illinois-based U.S. Conveyor. “Our engineering expertise allows us to seamlessly integrate ZenRobotics’ solutions into both new and existing systems, even legacy setups. It’s important to note that even older scrap sorting systems can support the Heavy Picker robot; a new greenfield site or line isn’t always required. The affordability and adaptability of the Heavy Picker make it a viable option for facilities of all sizes.”

The partners say their first joint project was to supply “one of America’s largest steel suppliers” with three Zen Robotics Heavy Pickers, deployed to separate copper meatballs, wires and waste from the ferrous metals stream. The Heavy Pickers, equipped with advanced AI, are designed to identify and sort both ferrous and nonferrous metals with high precision

“This capability is especially critical as steel producers face mounting pressure to meet stringent purity standards, such as maintaining copper content below 0.1 percent in recycled steel,” the companies say.

ZenRobotics and U.S. Conveyor say the robots operate autonomously 24/7, minimizing manual labor and improving safety in hazardous environments. They add that real-time reporting and intuitive interfaces empower operators to optimize performance and achieve target purities.

“U.S. Conveyor’s systems integrate seamlessly with our robots,” says Marcel Vallen, North American sales manager at Finland-based ZenRobotics. “Their deep understanding of scrap system design and the American scrap market is impressive. The success of our first joint installation, now followed by a repeat order for seven additional Heavy Pickers from one of the country’s largest steel suppliers, speaks volumes about what’s possible when engineering excellence meets AI innovation.

“We’re just getting started. The demand for high-purity recycled metals, sustainable processing and safer working environments is accelerating, and we’re fully committed to driving the robotic transformation across the scrap sector.”