AI Optical Sorting Machine

Introduction to AI optical sorting machine

In the wave of upgrading the metal recycling industry to intelligence and precision, AI optical sorting machine has become the core equipment for solving the problem of fine sorting of complex materials with its unique advantages of integrating advanced optical detection and artificial intelligence algorithms. It breaks through the dependence of traditional sorting equipment on the physical properties of materials (such as magnetism, density, and particle size), and realizes efficient classification of metal materials through "visual recognition + intelligent judgment", providing a new technical solution for the refined and high-value utilization of metal recycling. ​

1. Principle

The working principle of AI optical sorting machine is the deep combination of optical detection technology and artificial intelligence algorithm. The equipment is mainly composed of material conveying system, optical detection system (including high-definition camera, spectrometer, light source, etc.), AI image processing system and high-speed sorting execution system (such as jet valve, push rod, etc.).​
When the metal materials to be sorted enter the detection area at a uniform speed through the conveyor belt, the optical detection system will collect multi-dimensional information on the materials: the high-definition camera captures the visual characteristics of the materials such as color, shape, and texture; the spectrometer analyzes the spectral characteristics of the materials and identifies the material composition of different metals; the light source provides stable and uniform lighting to ensure the clarity of image acquisition. The collected optical data will be transmitted to the AI image processing system in real time. The system will quickly analyze the data through the trained deep learning model, and accurately identify and classify the materials according to the preset sorting standards (such as metal type, purity level, whether it contains impurities, etc.). ​
When the AI system determines that the material is the target sorting object, it will issue a command to the high-speed sorting execution system. At the moment when the material reaches the sorting area, the jet valve will spray high-pressure airflow or push rod action to separate the target material from the original conveying trajectory and fall into the corresponding collection area; while the non-target material will continue to move along the original trajectory and enter other collection areas, thus completing the entire sorting process.​

II. Advantages​

1. AI self-learning adapts to complex material changes: Metal recycling materials come from various sources, and material characteristics often change due to different recycling channels. The AI optical sorting machine has self-learning capabilities. Operators can continuously train the model through new sample data, so that the system can continuously optimize the recognition algorithm and adapt to the fluctuations in material characteristics. Even when facing new materials that have never been touched, they can quickly master the sorting rules through a small amount of sample learning to ensure long-term stable sorting accuracy. ​
2. High-speed sorting takes into account both efficiency and accuracy: The equipment uses high-speed cameras and high-performance AI chips. A single device can process thousands to tens of thousands of material particles per second, and the sorting speed can match the batch processing requirements of the metal recycling production line. At the same time, the recognition accuracy of the AI algorithm can reach more than 99%, which minimizes the omission and misjudgment of target metals while ensuring efficient processing, achieving dual guarantees of efficiency and accuracy.​
3. Multiple adjustable parameters to meet personalized needs: Different recycling companies have different requirements for sorting targets and precision. AI optical sorting machines can flexibly set sorting parameters through the human-computer interaction interface, such as adjusting the recognition threshold, setting the target material feature range, and selecting the sorting mode. Whether it is the fine sorting of fine metal debris or the rapid screening of large pieces of metal, personalized sorting needs can be achieved through parameter adjustment. ​
4. Intelligent diagnosis reduces the difficulty of operation and maintenance: The equipment is equipped with a complete intelligent diagnosis system, which can monitor the operating status of optical components, actuators, and AI systems in real time, and warn of potential faults (such as camera lens contamination, jet valve blockage, etc.) through data analysis, and provide fault location and maintenance suggestions. At the same time, the system will automatically record sorting data and equipment operation logs, provide data support for enterprises to optimize production processes, and reduce the technical threshold and cost of equipment operation and maintenance. ​

III. Value ​
1. Promote the intelligent upgrade of the recycling industry: AI optical sorting machines introduce artificial intelligence technology into the metal recycling process, changing the traditional mode of relying on manual sorting or single physical property sorting, and realizing the automation and intelligence of the sorting process. It forms an intelligent recycling production line with crushing, magnetic separation, air separation and other equipment. Through data intercommunication and collaborative work, it has greatly improved the intelligence level of metal recycling and promoted the transformation of the industry to high-tech content and high added value. ​
2. Improve the competitiveness of recycled metal products: Through precise sorting to remove impurities and graded screening, the AI optical sorter provides smelting companies with high-purity, high-quality recycled metal raw materials, reducing energy consumption and impurity treatment costs during the smelting process. The produced recycled metal is closer to the original metal in performance, which improves the market competitiveness of recycled metal products and promotes the widespread application of recycled metal. ​
3. Expand the scope of recyclable resources: For low-grade and complex metal materials (such as electronic waste fragments containing multiple metals) that are difficult to handle with traditional sorting technology, the AI optical sorter can effectively extract various metal resources from them with its powerful recognition ability, making the materials that were originally abandoned due to the difficulty of sorting become worth recycling, expanding the scope of metal recycling resources.​
4. Reduce labor costs and human errors: Traditional manual sorting is not only inefficient and costly, but also prone to sorting errors due to operator fatigue, lack of experience and other factors. The AI optical sorting machine achieves 24-hour continuous and stable operation, reduces dependence on manual labor, reduces labor costs, and avoids sorting errors caused by human factors, ensuring the stability of sorting quality. ​
In the context of the metal recycling industry's pursuit of "high efficiency, precision, and high value", the AI optical sorting machine has become a revolutionary equipment for the refined sorting of metal recycling with its AI-enabled precise recognition capabilities, high-speed and efficient sorting performance, and its role in promoting the intelligent upgrading of the industry, injecting strong momentum into the efficient recycling of metal resources and the sustainable development of the industry.