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Partnership with TeknTrash - Humanoid Robots at Rainham

Sharp Skips Partners with TeknTrash to Train Humanoid Robots in VR at Rainham

At Sharp Skips, our mission has always been clear: champion innovation, sustainability, and safety across London, Essex, and Kent. So when TeknTrash Robotics chose our Rainham facility to pilot their cutting-edge humanoid robot—ALPHA, the Automated Litter Processing Humanoid Assistant—it was a natural fit.

- A Perfect Match in Sustainable Technology

Our state-of-the-art recycling centre already sets the standard for environmental stewardship. With advanced sorting lines, a modern wash plant that converts inert waste into sand and stone, solar panels on-site, and a 38‑vehicle ULEZ-compliant fleet saving around 1,900 gallons of diesel each month, we’re building a circular economy hub right here in East London - LinkedIn.

- Real People Training Robots Using VR

What makes this collaboration special is that our frontline staff weren’t just spectators—they became trainers. Equipped with Meta Quest 3 headsets and TeknTrash’s custom motion-capture software, they performed real-life tasks: sorting, lifting, and handling materials exactly as they do every day. This VR-captured movement data—tracking posture, finger articulation, synchronized video, and timestamps—is now teaching ALPHA how real people operate safely and efficiently LinkedIn.

- Why This Matters

• Safety first: Robots can take on repetitive, hazardous tasks—lifting heavy items, touching sharp metal—reducing risk to people.

• Operational excellence: Robots trained on real human movement learn smarter, not harder—and adapt better to real-world conditions.

• Future-proofing recycling: As demand for sustainable waste processing grows, smart automation is the answer. Our involvement puts Sharp Skips at the heart of that transformation.

- A Proud Step Toward a Cleaner, Safer Future

This is more than a pilot—it’s a statement. Sharp Skips has been a trusted, family-run waste partner since 1983, with full zero-to-landfill operations and a reputation for same-day, reliable service . Now, we’re paving the way for robotics and AI to support our people, not replace them.

We’re grateful to TeknTrash Robotics for trusting our team and site for this groundbreaking work. As the data flows, models train, and ALPHA continues to learn, watch this space—because the future of recycling is happening now, and Sharp Skips is leading the way.