Why MIS Technology Outperforms X-Ray and Computer Vision in Waste Management

What is Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy?

Ever wished you could "see through" objects without touching them? Imagine if you could tell what's inside a package, or even peek at what's going on inside your body, all without cutting, poking, or x-rays. Well, that's exactly what a super cool technology called Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy (MIS) helps us do!

Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy (MIS) is an advanced sensing technology used to detect and analyze materials based on how they respond to magnetic fields. Unlike traditional sensors, MIS can identify materials through barriers (like plastic or clothing) and works without direct contact, making it ideal for non-invasive, real-time detection. The core principle involves sending alternating magnetic fields into a target area and measuring the induced electromagnetic response. Different materials produce unique responses, allowing MIS to distinguish between metals, liquids, and biological substances with high precision. This technology is especially valuable in sectors like security screening, medical diagnostics, and waste management, where accuracy, speed, and safety are crucial.

Think of it like this: everything around us reacts in a unique way when you put a magnetic field near it. Metals, liquids, even your own body, all have slightly different "magnetic personalities." MIS uses this idea to identify things.

MIS (Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy) eliminates the drawbacks of X-Ray and Computer Vision

Computer vision is widely used in waste sorting, but it can only scan an object’s surface. This limitation leads to high false-positive rates, as items like mobile phones or toys might be flagged for battery removal, even when they don’t contain one. X-ray transmission (XRT) provides better internal detection, reducing false positives, but it comes at a cost. X-ray technology emits ionizing radiation, which poses long-term health risks to workers in waste facilities. Additionally, X-ray machines are expensive, making them a less viable option for large-scale implementation. MIS technology, on the other hand, overcomes these challenges by using electromagnetic spectroscopy to detect materials based on their conductivity and permeability, ensuring accurate identification without the risks associated with X-ray.

Unlike X-ray or CV systems that focus solely on material identification, MIS technology integrates multiple data points across the entire waste management lifecycle. By leveraging machine learning classification, MIS can identify and categorize hazardous materials in real-time, improving sorting efficiency. This strategic integration reduces manual labor, automates decision-making, and enhances compliance with environmental regulations. Moreover, MIS technology can adapt to various facility sizes and waste types, offering a scalable solution for modern waste management needs.

Cost Optimization and Predictive Analytics

Operational costs are a major concern for waste management facilities. MIS technology provides a cost-effective alternative by optimizing resource allocation, reducing inefficiencies, and cutting down waste-processing expenses by 15-30%. Through predictive analytics, it enables facilities to forecast waste volumes, ensuring proactive adjustments to staffing and processing capacity. Unlike stand alone X-ray or computer vision systems, which provide limited real-time data, MIS generates actionable insights, helping facilities meet sustainability goals while improving their bottom line.

Litech`s MIS technology in waste management

At Litech, we develop sensor technology that detects hazardous materials before they cause harm. Our sensor box is installed beneath conveyor belts in sorting facilities and uses Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy (MIS) combined with machine learning to identify objects such as lithium batteries and gas containers in the waste stream.

Unlike X ray and camera vision systems, MIS does not rely on visual imaging or radiation. It detects objects through non contact electromagnetic induction, which means it can flag hazardous materials even when they are buried inside other waste, not just visible on the surface. Litech is currently the only company in the waste management industry developing this kind of technology.

Our goal is to help waste facilities catch these hazards before they cause fires, reduce downtime, and make sorting safer for the people working there.

Why focus on Litech?

Waste management is at a turning point. Improper disposal of hazardous materials, particularly flammable batteries and nitrous oxide tanks, is leading to more fires, explosions, and environmental contamination. Many existing detection systems are outdated, inefficient, or hard to run at scale. At Litech, we believe the industry needs to catch these hazards before they cause damage, not clean up after.

Safer work environments: MIS technology and machine learning let us detect flammable materials with precision, before they can cause harm. This reduces the risk of fires and explosions, and protects both workers and infrastructure.

Detection that improves over time: Our system uses machine learning, so accuracy keeps improving as it processes more data and adapts to new materials in the waste stream.

Sustainability and compliance: We help waste facilities meet strict environmental regulations by supporting proper hazardous waste removal.

Simple & Flexible setup: Litech's technology is built for long term, flexible integration. Whether you run a local transfer station or a large scale sorting plant, our modular technology fits into your existing infrastructure without disrupting operations.

Our pilot projects: expanding where MIS technology is proven

Our first pilot with Oslo Municipality has since become a signed service agreement, and our sensor has already helped remove over 600 bottles from the waste stream there, with an extension currently in the pipeline.

We are now preparing new pilot projects in France, bringing MIS technology to a new market as we continue expanding our reach in Europe.

At Litech, we build sensor technology that solves a specific, costly problem: hazardous materials ending up in the waste stream. Our goal is to make sorting facilities safer and more efficient, one installation at a time.

If you want to learn more about our technology or explore a partnership, get in touch.