Spanish Client Visits TomRobots to Evaluate RVM Reverse Vending Solutions

In late October, TomRobots welcomed a client from Spain to our facility for an on-site evaluation of our reverse vending machines (RVMs). The visit was arranged as a working session rather than a promotional event: the client came with specific questions about machine performance, maintenance, and how our equipment could fit a deposit return scheme being planned for their market. Over two days, we walked through the production line, ran live demonstrations, and compared notes on technical requirements.

This article summarizes what was covered during the visit. We share it here because many overseas customers ask similar questions, and a clear record of the discussion may be useful to others considering our equipment.

Why the client came

Spain has been rolling out container deposit return systems gradually, and several regional governments are finalizing the technical requirements for machines to be installed in retail locations. The client's interest was practical: they wanted a machine that could meet the obligations already written into their tender documents, not just a product that looks good in a brochure.

Their evaluation criteria were clear from the start:

· Recognition accuracy for common bottle and can formats sold in Spain

· The reliability of the compaction unit over a high-volume shift

· Cloud connectivity and the ability to monitor machines remotely

· The level of after-sales support available for a market several thousand kilometers from our factory

We took the questions one by one and answered them with reference to existing installations and test data rather than general assurances.

What we demonstrated

The core of the visit was a hands-on demonstration. The client was able to feed bottles and cans through the machine themselves, including items with damaged labels and crushed bodies, to test how the recognition system handled imperfect inputs. This is the test that matters in real operation, because supermarket recycling points rarely receive clean, intact containers.

The machine recognized each item and credited it to the corresponding category within the expected time. Compaction operated without jams over repeated cycles, and the storage capacity remained within the figures stated in our datasheet. We also showed the diagnostics screen, which records error events and service history — information the client said would be useful for their own maintenance planning.

Technical topics discussed in detail

Beyond the demonstration, the discussion covered several areas that tend to decide whether a machine is viable for a given market.

Recognition logic. We explained how the machine distinguishes between bottle material, shape, and barcode. The client asked specifically about aluminum cans with weak barcodes and glass containers, which present different recognition challenges. We walked through how the current model handles each case and where its limits are, including the conditions under which a container is rejected and the reason shown to the user. We did not claim the machine is infallible; we were explicit about the error margin and the types of containers that may require a retry.

Compaction and capacity. The client was interested in how many containers the machine can accept before a collection is needed. This depends on the compaction ratio, which varies with container type. We provided the range from our test data and explained how the figure changes with the mix of bottles versus cans. For planning purposes, the client can use these numbers to calculate collection frequency for a typical store.

Cloud platform and remote management. TomRobots RVM units connect to a cloud management platform that reports machine status, fill level, and error events in near-real time. We showed a live view of several machines currently in service, including fill sensors and service alerts. This is relevant for a client who will manage machines across multiple locations, because remote visibility reduces the cost of scheduled visits and lets the operator respond to issues only when they actually occur.

Connectivity requirements. The machine supports both wired and mobile data connections. We discussed which option is more practical in retail environments in Spain, where in-store networking infrastructure varies. The client noted that some installations would have reliable LAN access while others would rely on mobile connectivity, and our machine can accommodate both.

Power and installation. We reviewed the power requirements, footprint, and the space needed around the machine for access and collection. The client compared these dimensions against the floor plans of the retail locations they had already shortlisted, and confirmed that the machine fits the intended spaces with room to spare.

After-sales and service planning

A substantial part of the conversation concerned what happens after the machine is installed — specifically, how a buyer in Spain would receive support from a manufacturer based in China.

We explained our remote support model: the cloud platform allows our engineers to access machine diagnostics and, in many cases, resolve software issues without a site visit. For hardware issues, our service process is built around training local partners and providing the documentation and spare parts they need. We walked through the spare parts list, the typical lead time for replacement components, and the maintenance intervals recommended in the manual.

We were straightforward about the reality of long-distance support: certain problems are best handled by a trained local technician, and the quality of that support depends on the arrangement between the buyer and our local partner. We shared examples of how this works in markets where we already have installations, so the client could assess the model rather than take our word for it.

Customization for the Spanish market

The client raised several market-specific points that we discussed openly:

· Language of the user interface. The machine currently supports a set of languages, and the client requested Spanish as the default. We confirmed this can be configured without hardware changes.

· Local reward rules. Deposit return schemes in Spain may reward different container types in different ways depending on the region. We discussed how the machine's rules engine can be configured to match the operator's reward structure, including limits and exceptions.

· Labeling and branding. The client asked whether the machine body could carry local branding or scheme-specific labeling. This is a standard option for our units, and we reviewed the available placement areas and printing method.

· Electrical standards. The client provided the relevant electrical specification for Spanish installations, and we compared it with the machine's input requirements. The specifications are compatible, with only a minor cable configuration adjustment needed.

None of these items required major engineering changes. Where work is needed, it is configuration or minor adaptation rather than redesign, which keeps the lead time predictable.

What both sides agreed on

The visit ended with a summary of next steps rather than a signed agreement. Both sides agreed on the following:

· The machine meets the functional requirements in the client's draft tender specification, subject to the configuration points above being finalized.

· The client will provide the final set of reward rules and interface language requirements for the formal configuration.

· TomRobots will prepare a technical proposal with a confirmed specification, delivery timeline, and pricing for the client's review.

· Both teams will hold a follow-up call within two weeks to discuss the proposal and, if it proceeds, the schedule for a pilot installation.

We deliberately kept the scope of this visit to evaluation. Our position is that a machine should be selected on the basis of demonstrated performance and a clear service model, not enthusiasm. Where we did not have a direct answer during the visit, we said so and committed to providing it in writing within a set timeframe.

Why we document visits like this

We publish these visit summaries for a simple reason: reverse vending is a specialized product category, and most buyers are evaluating equipment for the first time. A record of a real evaluation — including the questions asked and how they were answered — gives other prospective customers a more honest picture of what to expect than a sales page can.

If you are planning a deposit return scheme and would like to discuss whether our RVM equipment fits your requirements, we welcome the same kind of working visit. You can reach us through the contact form on our website or by email, and we will respond with practical information rather than a generic sales pitch.

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