AMP Robotics Corp. (“AMP”), a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics for the recycling industry, has been named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2020.
The list honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s fast-changing world. This year’s Most Innovative Companies list features 37 industry categories that include 434 businesses from 39 countries.
“To be named among the ranks of companies at the forefront of innovation across various industries is a huge milestone for AMP, and a reflection of the tireless work of our team to maximize the value of recycling,” said Matanya Horowitz, founder and chief executive officer at AMP. “Our technology has transformative implications for recycling and waste management, and this recognition of our achievements to date serves as a springboard as we continue to innovate to advance the circular economy.”
AMP’s recent technological innovation is seen in the application of AI and robotics for the material characterization and sorting of recyclables from the waste stream to increase recycling rates. The AMP Neuron™ AI platform uses computer vision and machine learning to process millions of images, identifying specifically what is in the waste stream—all the way down to the packaging brand. Neuron powers AMP Cortex™, which uses high-performance robots that rapidly sort, pick, and place materials at unprecedented speeds of over 80 pieces a minute per robot. AMP has deployed these systems across the world, including an installation of 14 AI-guided robots at Single Stream Recyclers in Florida, the single largest global deployment in the recycling industry.
In late 2019, AMP raised $16 million in Series A funding, led by Sequoia Capital with participation from a world class consortium of sustainability focused investors, including BV, Closed Loop Partners, Congruent Ventures, and Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, an Alphabet company (NASDAQ: GOOGL).
Within the last year, AMP received a ‘Rising Star Company of the Year’ award in the Cleantech Group’s 2020 Cleantech Global 100, and Waste360 named Horowitz ‘2019 Innovator of the Year,’ as well as to its ‘40 under 40’ list. Prior to that, AMP earned The Circulars Award for ‘Circular Economy Top Tech Disruptor’ at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Fast Company editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses on the planet and across myriad industries. They also judged nominations received through an application process.
The World’s Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a roadmap for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.
“At a time of increasing global volatility, this year’s list showcases the resilience and optimism of businesses across the world. These companies are applying creativity to solve challenges within their industries and far beyond,” said Fast Company Senior Editor Amy Farley, who oversaw the issue along with Deputy Editor David Lidsky.
Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March/April 2020) is now available online, as well as in app form via iTunes and on newsstands beginning March 17, 2020.
About AMP Robotics Corp.
AMP Robotics™ is on a mission to make recycling better serve our society and our planet to help achieve zero waste. AMP is transforming the economics of recycling using AI-guided robotics to process high volumes of recyclables, while preventing material contamination for resale in the circular economy. The company’s high-speed robotics system, AMP Cortex™, precisely automates the identification, sorting, and processing of material streams for businesses that recycle municipal waste, e-waste and construction and demolition materials. The AMP Neuron™ AI platform operates AMP Cortex using computer vision and machine learning to continuously train itself by processing millions of images from the material stream. The AMP Insights™ web application digitizes the material stream, providing analytics, performance metrics, and important alerts so businesses can further optimize their recycling operations. Learn more at www.amprobotics.com.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for “Magazine of the Year,” AdWeek’s Hot List for “Hottest Business Publication,” and six gold medals and 10 silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.