• AI-powered recycling robots aim to recover more materials, cut emissions, and slash operational costs by up to 50%.
• Funding supports national rollout, workforce expansion, and innovation in recycling automation.
• Glacier robots can sort 45 items per minute across 30+ material types—without disrupting operations.

AI robotics startup Glacier has raised $16 million in Series A funding to accelerate the deployment of its intelligent recycling robots, designed to transform U.S. recycling infrastructure, reduce emissions, and improve material recovery.

The San Francisco-based company, backed by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, has developed compact AI-powered robots that identify and sort over 30 material types at 45 items per minute. These systems install easily—without heavy machinery or facility downtime—and cost up to 50% less than conventional recycling systems.

“Glacier has the opportunity to meaningfully strengthen U.S. recycling infrastructure, and on-shore critical manufacturing capabilities,” said Rebecca Hu-Thrams, Glacier’s CEO and co-founder. “Our goal is to not only help address crucial environmental challenges but also build our nation’s economic resilience in a resource-constrained global market.”

Glacier’s robots also deliver real-time data insights, boosting recyclers’ operational efficiency and helping consumer brands track waste streams.

The Series A round was led by Ecosystem Integrity Fund (EIF), with additional backing from previous investors such as New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and Amazon, and new participants including Elysium, Overlap Holdings, and Alumni Ventures.

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“With nearly 80% of residential recyclables not recycled, the U.S. is depleting resources and raising emissions,” said Sasha Brown, Partner at EIF. “Glacier’s AI solves critical challenges with a practical, affordable approach that doesn’t disrupt existing operations.”

Founded in 2019 by Rebecca Hu and Areeb Malik, Glacier plans to use the funds to scale nationwide, expand its team, and advance product development.

“After a year of rapid growth and successful deployments across major markets, we’re now positioned to scale our technology even faster,” Hu-Thrams added.

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