Bavarian machinery manufacturer SENNEBOGEN presented new AI-powered solutions for recycling at IFAT 2026 in Munich. The world's leading trade fair for environmental technologies served as a platform for the manufacturer to demonstrate its technological lead in the growing market for automated material handling systems. The presentation included intelligent control systems for transshipment excavators and cranes used in recycling operations.
The AI functions demonstrated by SENNEBOGEN are intended to support machine operators in identifying and sorting various material fractions. While conventional grab systems still require manual control, the new solutions aim to automate repetitive movements when handling scrap, waste wood, or construction debris. This could increase throughput performance at recycling centers and scrap yards while simultaneously reducing operator strain.
The use of AI technology in the construction machinery industry is gaining importance. Recently, Liebherr introduced an AI-based image recognition solution for spare parts, while Sany presented AI-supported systems for mining machines. The development shows that artificial intelligence is increasingly transitioning from prototype stage to series production. Particularly in the recycling sector, automated sorting processes promise economic benefits, as personnel availability represents a central challenge.
SENNEBOGEN is strategically positioning itself with the new solutions in the segment of stationary and mobile material handling machines. The company from Straubing has been manufacturing specialized machines for recycling and scrap handling for decades. The integration of AI functions into existing machine concepts could give the manufacturer a competitive advantage over conventional transshipment excavators. Whether the technology will also be available for retrofitting older model series was not disclosed by SENNEBOGEN at IFAT. Details on pricing, availability, or specific performance specifications of the AI systems were not communicated initially.
IFAT is regarded as the most important platform for recycling and environmental technology and regularly attracts specialist visitors from the waste management industry, civil engineering, and the building materials industry. For manufacturers like SENNEBOGEN, the trade fair offers the opportunity to present innovations to an international specialist audience and to set market trends early on.
