멀티-트론 (Dump & Go, AI 기반 다용도 시설용 폐기물 분류 솔루션)

Large-scale waste sorting plants are not suitable for urban environments due to noise and volume, and transporting waste to sorting plants results in carbon emissions and reduced separation quality. In particular, it is difficult to install stationary automatic sorters around multi-use facilities (apartments, shopping malls, stadiums). This limits the improvement of urban recycling rates.

Multi-Tron is a mobile (modular) AI robot waste sorting system. Designed in modular units, it can be installed next to buildings or outdoor event venues, and AI vision instantly sorts waste when users throw it in. Unlike existing centralized sorters, it enables high-purity separation and compression from the point of input, increasing recycling efficiency. The miniaturized structure and removal of heavy infrastructure make it easy to introduce into urban environments, which is a key differentiator.

Local governments and public facility operators (B2G) are the primary buyers. Large complex facilities (apartment complexes, shopping malls, parks) or large-scale event (festival, sports game) organizers are also B2B customers. In the future, operating and revenue models are also possible through partnerships with waste management companies or environmental solution companies.

It can operate anywhere in urban buildings and can be expanded in capacity by connecting multiple robots. AI sorting technology can also be expanded for specific materials such as food waste and plastics. However, AI learning must be redone to match the waste standards and separation criteria of each country, and it is only activated in places with electrical and communication infrastructure. There is also great potential for linkage with the recycling industry and smart city IoT.

Korean media prominently reported the "CES 2026 Innovation Award" and evaluated it as a new paradigm for urban recycling robots. According to ZDNet, the judges gave high scores in terms of design and engineering. Although the technology readiness is at the prototype stage, it has a high level of credibility due to its awards in global venture competitions.

Expectations are promising, but concerns are also raised about the scale, cost, and operational issues when actually introduced. Some also believe that the technical challenges of complex waste classification learning and on-site operation may be underestimated.