AI Revolution In Colorado: Transforming Waste Management With Robotics

[KOAA via YouTube]

It's no secret that Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm over the last few years. As predicted in science fiction novels, movies, and TV shows of the past, some jobs humans once occupied are no longer in need of a living being to complete.

Robotics have replaced servers in restaurants, cashiers, and now it appears that the waste management industry could very well be next.

Colorado Introduces Artificially Intelligent Garbage Sorting

One task that humans aren't always the most conscientious about is sorting recyclables and waste separately, which can either lead to recyclable materials needlessly heading to a landfill or, in some cases, someone else taking the liberty to do the work themselves.

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However, one Colorado city has now implemented a robot of sorts to take on this task at a facility specifically designed to aid in recycling.

The Republic Services Recycling Center in Colorado Springs has introduced a sophisticated robotic system that not only sorts recyclables out of garbage but operates at a rate that humans are incapable of.

This robotic system identifies materials thrown away that can be recycled at an impressive speed and separates these materials using special suction cups.

This garbage-sorting robot is a product of a company called AMP Robotics and can complete this task at twice the rate that a human would be able to without the need for bathroom breaks or sick days.

So, is this an instance of artificial intelligence replacing human jobs? Given that the recycling center is actually making up for the laziness of some humans, it really wouldn't appear so.

[KOAA 5]

It Is Illegal To Throw These Things Away In Colorado

There are 14 items that should never be thrown out with the trash in Colorado. Check out this helpful list of hazardous waste reminders that should never go in the garbage in Colorado. While some of these items can be turned in on local hazardous waste collection days, six items on this list can get you into big trouble if you are caught dumping them at a landfill.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

6 Things Grand Junction Buys, But Always Throws Away

We are wasteful people, there's no doubt about it, but sometimes it's just really hard not to be. There are things we buy and use -- but just end up throwing so much of it away. I asked our listeners to help us create a list of things that fall into that category - and here's what we came up with.

Gallery Credit: Zane Mathews