Glacier, an AI-powered recycling robotics company, has raised $16 million in a Series A funding round to expand its operations across the U.S. The funding was led by Ecosystem Integrity Fund, with participation from Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund and other existing investors.
The company’s robots, currently deployed in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, and Phoenix, will soon be operational in Seattle. Using computer vision and robotic arms, the machines can sort up to 45 items per minute, including PET plastic, aluminum cans, and other recyclables.
Glacier’s AI platform also provides data insights to improve recycling efficiency and helps consumer brands assess packaging recyclability. The latest funding will accelerate the company’s expansion as demand for automated waste sorting grows.
The recycling industry is increasingly adopting AI-powered solutions to address rising costs and stricter contamination standards. Other companies, such as AMP, have also secured funding to enhance robotic waste-sorting systems. Meanwhile, AI-driven robotics continues to expand into other sectors, with major tech firms developing humanoid robots for various tasks.
