<p>➀ Fraunhofer IIS developed a sensor-based sorting system using X-ray and AI to detect and remove hazardous lithium-ion batteries from waste streams, addressing the root cause of 80% of fires in German recycling plants;</p><p>➁ The system employs high-speed X-ray imaging and AI algorithms adapted from autonomous driving to identify concealed batteries, followed by compressed air nozzles to isolate them;</p><p>➂ A prototype is undergoing testing and will be deployed at waste company LOBBE in June 2025, supported by German federal funding to advance AI-driven circular economy solutions.</p>