Glacier builds AI-guided robotic sorting systems for material recovery facilities (MRFs). The Seattle-based company combines computer-vision analytics with robotic arms that identify and pick recyclable materials from mixed waste streams in real time.
Core products
Glacier robotic sorting units use camera-based AI models to recognize materials such as plastics, metals and fiber on a moving conveyor line, then direct picking arms to separate them into dedicated streams. The systems are designed to retrofit into existing MRF sorting lines alongside conventional screens and optical sorters.
Materials and applications
The technology targets single-stream municipal solid waste sorting, where mixed recyclables arrive on one line and must be separated into plastic, metal, fiber and residual fractions before baling.
Background
Glacier is backed by Amazon Climate Pledge Fund and has been covered by Resource Recycling, Waste Dive and GeekWire for its work automating MRF sorting lines.
