BY ANGELA FAIRHURST
In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discussions, innovative solutions are emerging to tackle the challenges of waste management. One groundbreaking approach comes from EverestLabs, a company revolutionizing the industry with artificial intelligence and robotics.
THE VISIONARY BEHIND EVERESTLABS
JD Ambati, the founder and CEO of EverestLabs, is an entrepreneurial executive with more than 22 years of experience in AI, product development, and strategic sales. His journey into the world of recycling began with a trip to India, where he witnessed the overwhelming waste problem firsthand. Shocked by the broken local recycling system, Ambati was challenged by his wife to use his skills to make a positive change in the world.
Upon returning to the Bay Area, Ambati immersed himself in learning about the waste industry. He spent considerable time with waste management companies, asking questions and listening to their needs. It became clear that recycling plants worldwide were in desperate need of modern technologies to improve their operations.
THE BIRTH OF RECYCLEOS
Ambati’s insights led to the creation of RecycleOS, an AI-enabled operating system for recycling. This innovative system combines AI, robotics, and data analytics to transform the recycling process.
RecycleOS uses 3D depth-sensing cameras mounted on conveyor belts to capture a 3D map of the objects passing through. The AI model then processes this information, identifying each object with over 95% accuracy. The data is then used to guide robotic arms in sorting the materials.
REVOLUTIONIZING THE RECYCLING PROCESS
Traditional recycling facilities rely heavily on human sorters, who face challenging working conditions. “Humans are not designed for doing dirty jobs while standing 8-10 hours a day and sorting 30-60 items per minute in dusty and dangerous environments,”
Ambati explains. RecycleOS addresses these challenges by automating the sorting process. The robotic systems can recover 2-3 times more material than manual sorters, with a 99% uptime. This not only increases efficiency but also addresses labor shortages and high turnover rates in recycling facilities, not to mention not subjecting humans to harmful conditions.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE ACROSS THE NATION
EverestLabs has partnered with leading materials recovery facilities across North America, including four of the top five recyclers. Their systems are installed in facilities nationwide from California to New York and from Texas to Michigan.
One of the company’s most significant installations is at the Sims Municipal Recycling Sunset Park Materials Recovery Facility in Brooklyn, New York. This facility, the largest commingled recycling center in North America, processes more than 300,000 tons of materials annually.
THE IMPACT ON THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The implementation of RecycleOS is not just about efficiency; it’s about creating a stronger circular economy. “The goal is to leave no recyclable behind,” Ambati states. “These robots ensure more materials are recovered at recycling facilities, resulting in a stronger circular economy.”
By increasing the recovery of recyclable materials, EverestLabs is helping to reduce billions of dollars worth of materials lost to landfills each year, saving money for recycling facilities and also significantly reducing the environmental impact of waste.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
As the world grapples with increasing environmental challenges, innovations like RecycleOS offer hope for a more sustainable future. 
By combining cutting edge technology with a deep understanding of the recycling industry, EverestLabs is paving the way for more efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly waste management. JD Ambati and his team are proving that with vision, determination, and innovative technology, we can make significant strides in addressing global environmental challenges. As RecycleOS continues to be adopted across the country, it’s clear that the future of recycling is here, and it’s powered by AI and robotics. Now, it’s our job to make sure everything gets into those recycle bins!
www.everestlabs.ai/recycling-robots
