Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund invests in AMP Robotics to transform recycling with AI and automation

WHO AMP Robotics is a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and infrastructure for the waste and recycling industry. The investment is made by Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund.

WHAT AMP Robotics' AI platform is capable of identifying nearly 75 billion objects in 2022 alone, with hundreds of sorting devices deployed globally to increase recycling rates and landfill diversion. With the Series C funding, AMP is scaling its operations, deploying technology solutions to retrofit existing recycling infrastructure and expanding new infrastructure based on its application of AI-powered automation.

WHY Investment in AI and robotics technologies reflects growing demand for automation in the waste industry. AMP's solutions not only boost productivity, reduce contamination, and address labor shortages, but also help meet brands' post-consumer recycled content and other sustainability commitments.

FUNDING Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund has invested in AMP's Series C round, which is led by Congruent Ventures and Wellington Management, bringing the total investment to more than $99 million.

HOW IT WORKS AMP's AI and automation technology is applied to increase recycling rates and economically recover recyclables reclaimed as raw materials for the global supply chain. The company designs, builds out, operates, and services new facilities for waste industry customers, powered by its application of AI for material identification and advanced automation.

CUSTOMER TRACTION With hundreds of deployments across North America, Asia, and Europe, AMP's technology recovers plastics, paper, and metals from municipal collection, precious commodities from electronic scrap, high-value materials from construction and demolition debris, and valuable feedstocks from organic material.

KEY TAKEAWAY AMP Robotics' AI-powered automation solutions for the waste and recycling industry address an urgent need for ongoing innovation to meet the world's imperative climate objectives by extending the circular economy. The investment from Microsoft's Climate Innovation Fund reflects the growing demand for automation in the industry and the importance of using AI to improve recycling efficiency and transform the global economy into a more circular one.