A Milestone in Smart Recycling: TomRobots’ Solution Lands in Singapore

This month, TomRobots reaches a significant milestone — we have completed the delivery of the final batch of 5-in-1 smart recycling machines to Singapore, with a total of 63 units to be deployed across various areas of this city-state. The machine is capable of sorting and recycling paper, plastic, aluminum cans, used textiles, and glass. It is not just a piece of hardware, but a data-driven tool specifically built to advance Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan 2030, which aims to increase the national recycling rate to 70% by the end of this decade.

For years, Singapore has been grappling with a key challenge: although 90% of waste is theoretically recyclable, the contamination rate in traditional blue bins still hovers around 40%. Our 5-in-1 smart recycling machine directly addresses this pain point. Leveraging TomRobots’ integrated hardware and software capabilities, it turns "recycling in theory" into "actionable sustainability practices".

The Technology Behind the Impact: How the 5-in-1 Recycling Machine Works

At the core of each machine is a synergistic system of cutting-edge technologies developed by our in-house team, striking a balance between accuracy and user-friendliness — a critical feature for adapting to Singapore’s high-density urban environment.

Cloud-Powered Logistics: Connecting the Entire Chain from Bin to Recycler

Every unit is connected to TomRobots’ independently developed IoT platform, creating a transparent and efficient recycling chain:

· Real-Time Monitoring: When a recycling compartment reaches 85% capacity, the system automatically alerts local waste management teams via SMS and app notifications, ensuring same-day collection — a response speed three times faster than manual inspections.

· Data-Driven Insights: The platform tracks recycling trends (such as peak paper disposal after office hours) and shares anonymized data with Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) to provide a basis for policy-making.

· User Engagement & Incentives: Residents can log into the system by scanning a QR code, instantly receive digital rewards (e.g., vouchers for local retailers), and track their personal carbon footprint. This aligns well with Singaporeans’ willingness to participate in meaningful recycling efforts, even without additional incentives.

Localized Adaptation: Listening to Singapore’s Actual Needs

Our collaboration with Singaporean stakeholders began with a 6-month pilot project in 2024. During this period, we made multiple rounds of optimizations to the machine based on real user feedback:

· Textile Recycling Optimization: Added a "moisture detection" feature to reject damp clothing — a common issue in Singapore’s humid environment — preventing mold growth and ensuring the quality of recyclables.

· Glass Recycling Safety Upgrade: Integrated a soft-drop mechanism and shatterproof liners to reduce glass breakage. This is crucial for Singapore to improve its glass recycling rate, which currently lags behind that of other materials.

· Space Efficiency Optimization: With a width of only 1.2 meters, the machine can be flexibly installed in HDB (Housing and Development Board) residential estates, shopping malls, and other space-constrained locations.

“TomRobots’ willingness to adapt its technology to our unique urban challenges was key to the success of this collaboration,” said a representative from our Singaporean client. “Their 5-in-1 recycling machine is not just collecting waste — it is rebuilding trust in the recycling system.”

Looking Ahead: Scaling Smart Recycling Across Asia

The launch of the Singapore project is more than just fulfilling an order — it serves as a blueprint for TomRobots’ expansion in the Asian market. As all 63 units are fully put into operation, we expect to achieve the following:

· Divert 216 tons of recyclables from landfills annually (calculated based on an average of 10kg of daily recycling per unit).

· Reduce carbon emissions by 432 metric tons per year — an environmental benefit equivalent to planting 11,000 trees.

· Provide a replicable model for neighboring cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, which face similar waste management pressures.

In TomRobots’ view, smart recycling is not just about technological innovation in machines — it is a core means of empowering cities to convert waste into resources. Singapore’s strong commitment to sustainability has made it our ideal partner, and we are proud to contribute to its journey toward a circular economy.

Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to track the operational performance of the 5-in-1 recycling machines in Singapore — and feel free to learn more about how TomRobots can customize smart waste solutions for your city.