The construction industry is notorious for its waste generation, contributing over one-third of the total waste in the European Union and exceeding household waste in the United States by more than double. This staggering statistic underscores a significant challenge that the sector faces. Enter Sensorita, an Oslo-based startup that’s shaking things up with a fresh approach to waste management. By leveraging smart sensors and digital twin technology, Sensorita aims to revolutionize a notoriously manual process, ushering in a new era of data-driven efficiency.
Founded in 2020, Sensorita began as a university project focused on household waste. However, the team quickly pivoted to construction waste after recognizing the unique challenges and greater market potential within this sector. The fragmented nature of household waste, often reliant on public funding, created hurdles for startups. Conversely, the construction industry offers a centralized market ripe for innovation. With the right data, companies can streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.
Sensorita’s innovative solution hinges on the use of radar sensors and machine learning to create digital twins of waste bins. These digital replicas provide waste management companies with real-time updates on bin locations and fill levels, allowing for optimized collection schedules. CEO Ulrikke Lien pointed out that the limited data currently available in waste management stifles effective decision-making. By digitizing this process, Sensorita empowers companies with insights that can transform operational strategies.
The company launched its first pilot in February 2022 with Ragn-Sells, a major player in the waste management sector. Since then, Sensorita has rapidly expanded its client base to include four key industry players, a clear indication of strong early adoption. The momentum didn’t stop there; in 2023, the startup secured $3.25 million in funding led by Brick and Mortar Ventures, bringing its total funding to $6 million. This financial backing not only validates Sensorita’s business model but also sets the stage for further innovation and expansion.
One of the core advantages of Sensorita’s technology is its ability to replace rough estimates with actual data. Traditionally, waste management firms relied on manual checks, a labor-intensive and inefficient practice that drains resources in a low-margin industry. By equipping construction waste bins with radar sensors, Sensorita enables real-time monitoring that helps companies plan pickups more effectively. Lien emphasized the disparity in data availability between waste management and other industries, making it clear that better insights are essential for informed decision-making.
Looking ahead, Sensorita is not resting on its laurels. With strong traction in Norway, the startup plans to expand its services beyond the region. The company is also enhancing its sensor technology to identify the types of materials in each waste bin, which could significantly streamline sorting and recycling processes. Additionally, Sensorita is in the works of developing a virtual assistant aimed at automating parts of the waste management workflow, further alleviating the burden on companies while boosting overall efficiency.
This innovative approach to waste management could serve as a catalyst for broader industry changes. As construction firms grapple with sustainability pressures and regulatory demands, adopting data-driven solutions like Sensorita’s could not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance their environmental credentials. The time is ripe for the construction industry to embrace technology that not only addresses immediate waste management challenges but also sets the stage for a more sustainable future.
