LYNQ leads the GRINNER project to prevent fires caused by batteries
When recycling batteries, the process needs intense attention when being handled and disposed of. Lithium-Ion and nickel batteries, in particular, can cause fire and explosions if not treated at a waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling plant.
What is the GRINNER project about?
The GRINNER project will be one that develops an AI-powered battery detection system using data from an x-ray detector and pick-and-place robots.
The project’s focus is on a key issue that is affecting the waste electrical and electronic equipment management chain: fires caused by batteries when damaged.
Aim of the GRINNER project
Commercialise an AI-enabled robotic sorting system capable of detecting and removing e-waste containing batteries from conveyor belts before they get crushed and disposed of in other waste.
What will the system comprise of?
- An energy-resolved x-ray detector
- A software-enabled module that can analyse x-ray data and detect waste-containing batteries
- Removal of batteries by a vision-based pick-and-place robot
“The project will develop and bring to market the first automated robotic system capable of detecting batteries incorporated within e-waste. The proposed activities will enable the technology to be demonstrated at the Green WEEE recycling plant in Romania, which, we anticipate, will show an effective technology resulting in a reduction in direct costs for operators while minimising environmental impact,” Mark Gregory, CEO of LYNQ
Partners on the project
The GRINNER consortium comprises an interdisciplinary team of experts from seven research and industry organisations across the same number of European countries. The project has been funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under a grant agreement.
- LYNQ MES: A leading software company reinventing manufacturing execution system (MES) software for businesses looking to digitalise and drive factory performance.
- Erion: The largest Italian system of Extended Producer Responsibility for the management of waste associated with electronic products and for the waste of tobacco products.
- Weeforum: The world’s largest multi-national centre of competence with regard to operational know-how concerning the management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (‘WEEE’). It is a not-for-profit association of 46 WEEE producer responsibility organisations across the world
- Direct Conversion: A leading innovator, designer and manufacturer of x-ray imaging components, which include x-ray tubes, digital detectors and other image processing solutions that are key components of x-ray imaging systems.
- Green WEEE: One of the leading S-E & Central Europe players, focused on the collection, treatment and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), cables, batteries and automotive components.
- TWI Hellas: Builds upon three scientific and technological pillars: data science, robotic technology and systems integration, to create intelligent, adaptable and autonomous systems.
- University of Essex: Essex University strive to undertake research that has the potential to change the world. Every project they support is directed by a desire to make a difference.
