McNeilus introduces AI material contamination detection technology

McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc., based in Dodge Center, Minnesota and a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corp., has unveiled an AI-enabled material contamination detection technology developed in collaboration with Lixo, a France-based waste stream analysis specialist. The system uses AI, edge computing, and cloud-based analytics to identify contaminants in real time during refuse and recycling collection, classifying materials as they enter the hopper. This enables haulers, municipalities, and sustainability programs to manage contamination, mitigate risk, improve diversion rates, and support regulatory and environmental objectives while the operator continues daily routes.

The system performs data collection and processing without interrupting routine operations, offering retrofittable capability for mixed fleets and potential factory integration on new vehicles. McNeilus frames this as a progression in refuse and recycling collection, enabling customers to see the actual composition of their waste stream and to demonstrate compliance through data-driven insights.

The collaboration with Lixo results in a technology that has been patented and has demonstrated scalability and efficiency in Europe, with Lixo reporting that more than 300,000 bins are analyzed daily. The teams anticipate substantial value for residential, commercial, and industrial waste segments in North America.

Capabilities include identification of more than 80 contaminants, such as plastic bags, yard waste, textiles, and hazardous materials. The system continuously learns from new data, enabling detection of emerging materials and improving the accuracy of hazardous material identification over time.

Operation and data flow are based on advanced computer vision and machine learning. Imagery from each collection is captured and processed via edge computing within the truck's onboard control unit and is automatically uploaded to a secure cloud dashboard. Fleet and sustainability managers can view contamination levels by route, neighborhood, or customer address, generating insights for compliance reporting and route optimization with no driver interaction required.

Deployment options include a factory-installed package for new vehicles and a retrofit kit compatible with any brand of side-loader or front-loader trucks. Integration with McNeilus ClearSky intelligence telematics provides visibility into fleet health, payload data, and contamination insights.

The technology aligns with Oshkosh Corp's broader strategy around autonomy, AI, connectivity, and electrification.