Glacier

Glacier builds AI-powered robots that automate the sorting of recyclable materials in waste management facilities. Their system combines computer vision with a proprietary robotic arm to identify and pick over 30 different materials—including black plastics, thermoforms, PET, HDPE, aluminum, and aseptic containers—at speeds of up to 45 picks per minute. The robot’s AI vision system scans waste as it moves along conveyor belts, recognizing items with high accuracy and learning over time from a growing data set of images. With its compact design, Glacier’s robot is easy to install and requires minimal retrofitting, making it a practical option for facilities looking to enhance sorting precision, increase throughput, and divert more recyclable material from landfills.

Glacier’s robots are designed for rapid ROI, with payback possible in as little as one year. The company delivers both the hardware and AI software, with a subscription model that covers ongoing access to analytics, updates, and system support. The robots are easy to deploy, require minimal downtime, and come backed by strong customer service—making Glacier’s offering a hybrid HaaS or hybrid recurring sales model: the hardware is purchased or financed, while the intelligence layer is delivered as a service.