Lion Vision, a UK-based startup developing an AI-based solution to extract hazardous material from waste streams, has partnered with the University of Manchester to launch a new system to detect and extract lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous items from waste streams. This AI-based system, funded by a grant of over GBP 125,000 (~USD 158,000), employs advanced vision systems and machine learning technologies.

The new system provides real-time analytics to identify hazardous batteries in the waste stream and recommend disposal methods. Capable of analyzing over half a million images in a 24-hour window, the system can detect more than 600 cylinder batteries hourly. Currently, it is focused on identifying cylinder batteries, but it is programmable for over 40 battery sub-types and other hazardous objects.

Lion Vision's AI detection system is reportedly functioning in various sites across the UK, identifying more than 4,500 cylinder batteries daily in waste. The University of Manchester and Lion Vision assert this technology provides a significant localized solution to the environmental damage caused by lithium-ion batteries and will greatly benefit the waste industry.