S orting, processing, and reusing waste materials are key steps toward achieving the goals of a circular economy. The CircuBot project, funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia as part of the Green Program for Science and Industry Cooperation, offers an innovative solution with the potential to improve recycling processes through automation. Developing a circular economy and more efficient recycling hinges on precise waste separation and sorting. This is precisely where CircuBot introduces a revolutionary approach: automated sorting with the help of robots.
The project responds to the strict regulations of the European Commission, which require member states to reduce municipal waste sent to landfills to 10 percent of total waste by 2035. Considering the current situation, with recycling rates in the European Union ranging from 20 percent to 60 percent and Serbia recycling less than 2 percent of its municipal waste, it is clear that swift action is needed to create a more efficient waste management infrastructure.
While many European Union countries already widely use automated sorting systems, Serbia still relies on manual labor in recycling centers, which not only slows down the process but also creates unsafe working conditions. CircuBot aims to address this issue: by automating waste separation with robots, it increases recycling efficiency and creates safer working environments. This technology could significantly reduce landfill waste and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
IN FOCUS:
- Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Environmental Projects
- The Development Agency of Serbia as a Driver of Sustainable Change
- A Guardian Of the Environment From Ljusina
Prototype Development
CircuBot combines advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to develop a system that automatically detects, sorts, and analyzes waste. A prototype system has been developed through the collaboration of two leading Serbian teams in robotics and AI—from the Faculty of Engineering Sciences in Kragujevac and the School of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade. It uses robotic arms, industrial cameras, and advanced computational analysis to identify and separate various types of waste, including PET packaging, cans, and electronic waste. In the project’s initial phase, the team focused on developing the prototype in a laboratory setting, using e-waste samples obtained from leading Serbian e-recycling firms. The prototype concept is based on a robotic arm and an industrial camera that detects waste moving along a conveyor belt. Using images of the waste, the system automatically localizes and classes various waste types, after which the robotic arm physically sorts them. This approach not only accelerates the recycling process but also reduces the need for human labor in hazardous conditions.
In addition to increasing efficiency, CircuBot offers other positive impacts. Automation in recycling significantly improves worker safety and health, creating a more comfortable work environment compared to current conditions, which involve manual sorting in standing positions and often unhealthy surroundings. Furthermore, developing this technology contributes to building a team of robotics, AI, and computer vision experts who will tackle technological challenges and advance the industry.
The CircuBot project will be a key element in accelerating Serbia’s transformation toward a sustainable waste management system aligned with European standards and the goals of a circular economy. This pioneering project not only demonstrates the potential of innovation but also provides concrete solutions to long-term environmental challenges, laying a new foundation for responsible waste management in the future.
At the International Fair of Technology in Belgrade in 2024, the project results were showcased for the first time. Visitors were introduced to the key elements of the prototype, including the mechanism for automated waste sorting and the AI-powered control interface. They had the opportunity to see a live prototype demonstration and engage with team members about technical challenges and the project’s next steps.
The project authors are Arso Vukićević, PhD Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, University of Kragujevac; Kosta Jovanović, PhD, Associate Professor at the School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade; and Dragana Nišić, PhD, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade.
CircuBot Project Team
The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS
