ZenRobotics and US Conveyor to accelerate Robotics/AI in scrap metal sorting
15.10.2025ZenRobotics®, one of the global leaders in AI-powered robotic waste sorting systems, and US Conveyor, a specialist in custom scrap metal recycling solutions, have secured a repeat order for 7 additional ZenRobotics Heavy Pickers from one of America’s largest steel recyclers. This follows the successful commissioning of three units for the same customer in 2024, marking a significant endorsement of robotic sorting’s performance and reliability in high-volume scrap operations.
ZenRobotics Heavy Pickers in action, delivering precise AI-powered scrap metal sorting to help recyclers achieve higher purity and efficiency
© ZenRobotics
US Conveyor boasts over a century of combined experience in designing optimal scrap metal recycling systems. Their expertise lies in understanding the critical design details that enable equipment to perform exceptionally, even in limited spaces. The collaboration between ZenRobotics and US Conveyor aims to reshape how recyclers approach efficiency, safety, and purity in metal recovery by integrating ZenRobotics automated solutions into new and existing processing lines.
“We are excited to deepen our cooperation with ZenRobotics to offer automated solutions to the scrap industry,” said Troy Graves, President of US 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 HeavyPicker robot; a new greenfield site or line isn’t always required. The affordability and adaptability of the HeavyPicker make it a viable option for facilities of all sizes.”
The first joint project was to supply one of America’s largest steel suppliers with three ZenRobotics Heavy Pickers, deployed to effectively separate copper meatballs, wires, and trash from the ferrous metals stream. The HeavyPickers, equipped with advanced AI, are designed to identify and sort both ferrous and non-ferrous 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% in recycled steel.
Integrated with USConveyor systems, the Heavy Picker robots operate around the clock, boosting safety and productivity in high-volume steel recycling
© ZenRobotics
The robots operate autonomously 24/7, minimizing manual labor and improving safety in hazardous environments. Real-time reporting and intuitive interfaces empower operators to optimize performance and achieve target purities.
“US Conveyor’s systems integrate seamlessly with our robots,” said Marcel Vallen, North American Sales Manager at 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 HeavyPickers 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.”
