AI machine 'helps save 25M Lego bricks' (www.bbc.com)

An AI-driven sorting machine, dubbed the Brick-O-Matic, has successfully rescued 25 million Lego bricks from potential landfill, according to WeBuyBricks, a company focused on reselling unwanted Lego. Located in Hall Carr Mill, Lancashire, the Brick-O-Matic employs advanced camera systems and machine learning algorithms to identify over 60,000 distinct Lego pieces, sorting up to 100,000 units per day. This automation significantly enhances efficiency, reportedly being over 100 times faster than manual sorting, with the machine capable of directing two pieces per second into designated chutes for processing. The significance of this development lies not only in reducing waste but also in promoting the affordability and sustainability of Lego products. By selling pre-owned sets at 40% to 60% less than retail prices, WeBuyBricks aims to normalize the purchase of second-hand Lego, much like the rising trend of buying used clothing. The Brick-O-Matic's technology is a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation, revitalizing a historical mill with modern AI capabilities, which echoes the spirit of technological progress in its past. As WeBuyBricks processes over 10 tonnes of Lego awaiting sorting, the initiative underscores the potential of AI in enhancing recycling efforts and consumer habits in the toy industry.