Renews, a subsidiary of SK Ecoplant focused on environmental business, announced on the 7th that it has introduced the nation's first medical waste 'loading and unloading robot' through its medical waste incineration subsidiary.
At Renew Energy Chungnam, a medical waste incineration environmental corporation under Renews, the nation’s first medical waste 'loading and unloading robot' has been introduced. This robot, integrated with 3D vision technology that autonomously recognizes objects through cameras, can identify and transport medical waste boxes, and is capable of handling heavy waste items over 20 kg, contributing to relieving workers' workload.
Medical waste generated by hospitals and other medical institutions poses a risk of infection to workers if exposed externally, necessitating safe and precise storage and transportation procedures. A safety fence has been installed around the newly introduced robot to prevent physical access by workers. Additionally, the robot is equipped with a 'Safety Stop' function that automatically halts operation when sensors detect approaching individuals, prioritizing worker safety.
Given the stability and efficiency of the loading and unloading robot, Renews plans to expand the application of this technology to other medical waste incineration subsidiaries.
Renew Energy Jeonnam Co., the largest medical waste incineration facility in the Honam region, is pursuing contributions to the local community through energy transition projects. Previously facing challenges in securing demand, which hindered efficient utilization of thermal energy, the company installed a steam turbine generator capable of producing 500 kilowatts (kW) of electricity in October last year, using it for internal power and planning to provide it free of charge to local agricultural cooperatives for winter energy use.
At Renew Energy Metro, which holds the largest processing capacity in the metropolitan area for a single facility, with a daily limit of 84 tons (t) for medical waste incineration, modernization efforts are underway. This project aims to convert heat generated during the incineration process into energy such as steam and electricity with high efficiency, significantly reducing emissions of air pollutants. Phase 1 of the project, involving 48 tons, was completed in November 2024, and Phase 2, which modernizes incinerators with a daily capacity of 36 tons, is expected to be completed next October. Through this project, Renew Energy Metro will supply up to 8.2 tons of steam to nearby industries and generate 3.7 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, sufficient to charge 48 electric vehicles at 77.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per vehicle on a daily basis.
The introduction of a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) in the air pollution prevention process has enabled the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by more than 15% compared to the transfer plan, contributing to improved air quality.
Additionally, the introduction of a waste loading and unloading robotic arm is planned for this year, positioning Renew Energy Metro as the largest medical waste solution hub in the metropolitan area, equipped with profitability, environmental sustainability, and advanced working conditions.
Furthermore, Renews plans to evolve its incineration subsidiary into an eco-friendly incineration facility by applying 'artificial intelligence (AI) eco-friendly incineration systems' and 'automated control systems for incineration facilities' to reduce the generation of air pollutants and energy consumption while enhancing energy recovery efficiency.