Using robotics and AI for sustainable material recovery

The Pokeye drilling AI platform detects and identifies a wide range of structural building materials (Image: TU Delft/DISCOVER)

Mohanad Abukmeil, principal industrial AI scientist at TU Delft, will demonstrate how using robotics and AI can improve sustainable waste recovery.

His presentation will explore how new technologies are transforming demolition and deconstruction through real-time identification of valuable and reusable building materials before work begins.

The presentation will focus on the EU-funded DISCOVER project and the development of the Pokeye robotic drilling platform which combines AI, cameras and sensing technologies to classify materials on site.

It will offer a practical look at how AI-driven technologies could reshape demolition over the next decade, helping the industry recover more value from buildings and infrastructure at the end of their useful lives.

Dr. Eng. Mohanad Abukmeil, principal industrial AI scientist, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Mohanad leads the AI work package of the EU Horizon Europe DISCOVER project, developing an AI-powered, multi-sensor platform for material identification in circular construction and automated demolishing.

Mohanad has over 10 years of industrial AI experience across the construction, mining and healthcare sectors.

His work integrates AI, computer vision, NIR spectroscopy, XRF and LIBS analysis on automated demolition platforms.

The DISCOVER project aims to revolutionise the construction and demolition industry by developing an advanced system for the autonomous, synchronous and continuous identification and analysis of materials in end-of-life built environments.

It brings together 14 organisations spanning demolition, construction materials, research and digital technology.

Coordinated by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Spain, its industry partners include Spanish demolition and recycling company Hercal Zero, Polish demolition contractor Tree Capital, Belgian selective-demolition certification body Tracimat and Holcim’s innovation centre, while universities, research institutes and technology specialists from across Europe contribute expertise in robotics, digital twins, materials and circularity.

If you’re interested in robotics and AI as enablers of circular demolition, book your place at WDS 2026 now.