Equipment Report

Tomra GAINnext targets UBCs

A new packaging sorting device from the Tomra Recycling business unit of Norway-based Tomra Systems ASA uses deep learning technology—a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning—to identify different types of containers on a moving belt.

GAINnext, which is available in North America, offers what Tomra says is a high-throughput solution for used beverage can (UBC) aluminum recovery that delivers 98 percent purity or higher without manual sorting.

The technology has been designed to instantly detect and eject non-UBC materials, including aluminum bottles, food cans, trays and plastic containers, to accomplish high-accuracy, automated sorting of aluminum cans.

Tomra says GAINnext was developed as an end-of-line solution for material recovery facilities that can be integrated into existing lines with the object of lowering overall costs and improving sorting line return on investment.

“GAINnext is trained to see what the human eye can see and detects thousands of objects by visual differences in milliseconds,” says Indrajeed Prasad, product manager of deep learning at Tomra Recycling. “The deep learning subset of AI creates a hierarchical level of artificial neurons to solve the most complex sorting tasks. We are delighted that our new application focuses on the critical recovery of UBC aluminum cans and offers customers above 98 percent purity rates.”

The device uses an RGB (red, green, blue) camera, trained by thousands of images, to recognize UBCs based on shape, size and dimension.

GAINnext makes up to 2,000 ejections per minute, and the deep learning software identifies overlapping objects and calculates positioning for high precision, according to the company.

Tomra also is deploying deep learning in other sorting applications. It says it has sorted food-grade from nonfood-grade plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and high-density polyethylene, at high throughput rates with 95 percent purity.

Brandt scrap handlers available through Murphy Tractor

The Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. dealership network will now sell and service the Brandt Material Handler product line from Brandt Industries USA Ltd.

“The United States Midwest metal recycling industry now has access to the new, purpose-built Brandt Material Handler, thanks to a partnership between Brandt Industries and Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co.,” Brandt Industries says. “This partnership makes Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. the first Brandt Material Handler dealer in the country.”

Murphy Tractor, one of John Deere’s largest North American construction equipment dealers, was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Park City, Kansas. The company has 29 locations in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Ohio.

“We take great pride in finding partners like Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. who are committed to the industries we serve and to delivering exceptional customer service,” says Jason Klassen, Brandt Industries senior vice president. “We are excited to serve the metal recycling industry in the U.S. for the first time, and we plan to expand our network here even further in the future.”

Brandt’s material handler is designed, manufactured and supported in North America. It is built on the John Deere platform, and the company says it delivers “unmatched” productivity and uptime, with easy-to-find components and support through local dealerships.

“The fact that the Brandt Material Handler is built right here in North America is a major advantage for our customers, who won’t have to wait for shipments of machines and parts from overseas,” says Jim Craig, general sales manager at Murphy Tractor. “Having the Brandt and Deere names on this machine is a huge benefit for us because of the quality they both bring to the industry. We’re excited to be the first Brandt Material Handler dealer in the country.”

Brandt Industries, based in Hudson, Illinois, is part of the Canada-based Brandt Group, a privately owned manufacturing and distribution company that serves industries including agriculture, construction, forestry, rail, mining, steel, transportation, material handling and energy. The company has more than 6,200 employees and more than 180 locations in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.