Danu Robotics raises 5 million dollars for its robot that sorts recyclables with a gripper

The 5 million dollar round closes the end of its seed phase. According to TechCrunch, it should allow the company to keep up its commercial push.

Its robot, called H.E.R.O., picks up objects with a gripper rather than by suction. That sets it apart from the suction-cup arms offered by competitors such as Glacier and RecycleEye.

Amy Ma estimates that a site fitted with the robot would earn 485,000 dollars in extra revenue. She compares that figure with an initial investment of 160,000 dollars and 24,000 dollars of maintenance a year.

The founder next wants to make the robot sturdier, more compact and more versatile. She imagines installing it in exhibition halls, shopping centres, hospitals or airports to sort waste on site.