Trending Now - Automation Steps in Amid Labor Shortages in Waste Industry

WHO:

BBC - Chelsea Sharp, plant finance director and granddaughter of company founder Tom Sharp, is quoted regarding the use of humanoid robots in waste sorting.

WHAT:

BBC - Humanoid robots are being added to the automation of waste sorting in response to labor shortages in the waste industry.

BBC - Chelsea Sharp states that humanoid robots can work continuously, "24 hours a day, seven days a week," without taking holidays or sick days.

WHY:

BBC - The waste industry is struggling to find staff, prompting the adoption of automation solutions like humanoid robots.

(UPDATED May 5, 2026 01:30 UTC)

In a significant move to address labor shortages in the waste industry, Chelsea Sharp, the plant finance director and granddaughter of the company's founder, has announced the introduction of humanoid robots for waste sorting. Sharp highlighted that these robots can operate continuously, "24 hours a day, seven days a week," without the need for holidays or sick days. This shift towards automation is a direct response to the ongoing challenges of staffing in the sector.