The global waste problem is becoming an increasingly urgent environmental issue. For effective recycling, waste must first be properly sorted and classified. Accurate sorting is crucial for the recycling process to work efficiently, but the reality is far from ideal.

In many cases, household waste is dumped without any separation, which makes sorting much more difficult. On top of this, poor working conditions and an aging workforce mean that many facilities rely on foreign labor, which lacks continuity. This isn’t just a problem in Korea; it’s a global issue. For instance, over 90% of plastic waste isn’t recycled and is either sent to landfills or incinerated, pushing us further away from the goal of a sustainable planet.

What if there was a “smart robot” that could sort and classify waste accurately and tirelessly? That’s exactly what AETECH is working on. They are improving waste sorting efficiency with their AI-powered optical sorting robot, “Atron,” and a system that connects over 30 of these robots, called “AIRO-MRF” (AI Robot Material Recovery Facility).

Atron is capable of quickly and accurately sorting waste, performing tasks that typically require human workers. It can sort up to 96 items per minute across seven main categories like PET, PE, PP, PS, glass, and metals, and even within 43 subcategories, including clear PET, brown PET, aluminum cans, clear glass, and more. Atron operates 24/7, helping to prevent industrial accidents in hazardous environments. In today’s world, it is the “smart robot” we need.

AETECH’s biggest strength lies in owning both the software (AI and related tech) and the hardware (robots) that power Atron. This means faster development and better customer support, backed by a wealth of patents and industry awards. AETECH has won numerous honors, including awards from the Korean Intellectual Property Office and the Mayor of Seoul, as well as the prestigious WIPO Global Award—making them the first Korean company to achieve this recognition.

Currently, AETECH has installed 17 Atrons at seven waste-sorting facilities in Korea and is in the process of building a large-scale AIRO-MRF facility in Incheon. They are also expanding into overseas markets, focusing on resource-scarce countries in Asia like Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong, where recycling is critical.

With its strong technology and growth potential, AETECH has attracted over 10 billion KRW in investments and is seeking further funding in the second half of the year to enhance Atron, expand AIRO-MRF installations, and grow its sales team. The company, which participated in the “Youth Overseas Expansion Program” supported by the Incheon Creative Economy Innovation Center and The Invention Lab, is positioning itself to become a key player in the Asia-Pacific region as part of its global expansion plans.

What problem is AETECH solving?

AETECH addresses inefficiencies in waste sorting, a growing issue as global sustainability efforts intensify. Despite large amounts of waste, much of it is poorly sorted, leading to low recycling rates. In South Korea, about 46% of waste is discarded during collection, with similar losses during sorting and processing. Manual sorting is inefficient, and recycling facilities often pose safety risks to workers. Labor shortages, especially with an aging workforce and difficulties in retaining foreign labor, exacerbate these challenges, creating a pressing need for innovation in waste management.

How does AETECH solve this problem?

AETECH’s AI-powered optical sorting robot, Atron, and the AIRO-MRF system revolutionize waste management by automating sorting. Atron can sort 96 items per minute with 99.3% accuracy, reducing reliance on human labor while improving efficiency and safety. It prevents industrial accidents caused by hazardous working conditions, such as exposure to dust and odors. The AIRO-MRF system, which connects over 30 Atrons, automates sorting, creating a fully automated facility capable of producing high-purity PET flakes. This system helps address labor shortages and boosts recycling rates.

What sets AETECH apart from its competitors?

AETECH differentiates itself by owning the entire technology stack for Atron, covering both software (AI) and hardware (robotics), which allows rapid innovation and strong customer support. The company holds 10 domestic patents and has won several prestigious awards, including the 2024 Korea Impact Tech Award and the WIPO Global Award. Atron’s success is driven by a combination of advanced AI learning and robotic control technology, which continuously improve its sorting capabilities. This unique convergence technology gives AETECH a competitive edge in the waste management industry.

What products/services does AETECH offer, and what is their current status?

AETECH’s flagship product is Atron, an AI-powered optical sorting robot trained with over 2.6 million waste sorting data points. It can sort 96 items per minute with 99.3% accuracy across 43 waste subcategories. Atron is the first AI sorting robot to be deployed commercially in South Korea, with 17 units installed in locations like Incheon and Songpa. Additionally, AETECH is developing a fully automated waste sorting facility, AIRO-MRF, in Incheon, which will automate sorting without human labor. This facility will further enhance recycling efficiency with a system that includes magnetic and air classifiers for precise material separation.

What is the market size, and who are AETECH’s target customers?

The global plastic recycling market was valued at 59 trillion KRW in 2022, and in South Korea, it is projected to grow by 6% annually, reaching 2.65 trillion KRW by 2026. Tightening regulations worldwide are driving demand for recycled materials, with the EU mandating that plastic containers contain at least 30% recycled materials by 2023. South Korea is also pushing for 30% recycled PET usage by 2030. AETECH’s target customers are B2B and B2G clients, including private waste facility operators and government-run sorting facilities. The company also plans to expand into markets like Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong, where land scarcity and resource circulation are pressing concerns.

What is AETECH’s business model?

AETECH currently offers Atron through direct sales, but to lower the entry barrier, it is developing leasing and rental models. The leasing option allows customers to pay over time, with the ability to purchase or return the robot at the end of the lease. The rental model offers use of the robot for a fixed monthly fee, with no upfront costs. These flexible options aim to expand the company’s customer base and make advanced waste management technology more accessible to a wider range of clients, supporting broader adoption.

What are AETECH’s key achievements?

AETECH has raised 12.2 billion KRW in cumulative funding, with successful seed, Pre-A, and Series A rounds. The company has strengthened its technological foundation with 10 domestic patents and 7 international patents. AETECH has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Korea Impact Tech Award and the WIPO Global Award, making it the first Korean company to win this honor. The company has commercially deployed 17 Atrons in various locations across South Korea, such as Incheon and Cheongdo, and is building AIRO-MRF, an automated waste sorting facility that further strengthens its leadership in the industry.

What sets AETECH’s team apart?

AETECH’s team is composed of experts in AI, robotics, and business development. Led by a seasoned CEO, the team includes a senior AI engineer from a major Korean corporation, a production manager with over 25 years of experience, and strategic planners with a decade of business development expertise. The team customizes Atron to meet the specific needs of waste sorting facilities, ensuring optimized efficiency. With a commitment to excellence and continuous innovation, AETECH’s team plays a key role in driving the company’s growth and technological advancements.

Why should AETECH receive investment?

AETECH is expanding its AIRO-MRF plants in Incheon and Gyeonggi Province to enhance its resource recovery chain, aiming to improve efficiency and output. The company also plans to upgrade Atron’s technology, which requires team expansion and additional R&D. Investment is critical for scaling sales, marketing, and recruitment efforts as AETECH moves further into the commercial phase. The company’s strong technological foundation, international expansion plans, and focus on sustainability make it a promising candidate for continued investment.

What efforts and achievements has AETECH made toward international expansion?

AETECH has actively participated in major global exhibitions, such as CES in the U.S. and SCEWC in Spain, to build relationships with international buyers and VCs. The company has joined delegations like the Korea-UAE Future Cooperation Partnership, engaging in talks with B2B clients. AETECH is set to present at KDB NextRound Silicon Valley to attract international investment and is involved in domestic and international accelerator programs to promote its technology to global VCs. The company’s selection for the 2024 U.S. Technology Exchange Program also bolsters its global presence.

How is the Youth Overseas Expansion Program supporting AETECH?

The Youth Overseas Expansion Program has helped AETECH establish a foothold in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Vietnam, a market with increasing demand for AI and robotics technology. Through accelerator The Invention Lab, AETECH gained market insights and joined the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City Chamber of Commerce, providing valuable networking opportunities. The program also offers financial support for travel and accommodation, reducing the financial burden of market research and expansion, and facilitating AETECH’s entry into new regions.