Wright State University Receives $2.999 Million NSF Grant to Revolutionize Scrap Metal Recycling

Strategic Insights -

Wright State University has been awarded a nearly $3 million National Science Foundation grant to lead a multi-university research project transforming how scrap metal is recycled into new products. Led by associate professors Natasha and Sean Banerjee, the project aims to equip recycling facilities with advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and extended reality, to keep manufacturing in the United States. The approach could revive small fabrication shops, with workers trained as "recyclofacturers" using AI-driven design tools and collaborative robots.

Key Takeaways:

  • Wright State University received a $2.999 million National Science Foundation grant to lead a multi-university research project transforming scrap metal recycling.
  • The project aims to equip recycling facilities with advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, extended reality, and human-robot collaboration.
  • The goal is to keep manufacturing in the United States by enabling recycling plant employees to make small products from usable metal parts, rather than shipping scrap overseas.
  • The project includes an education and workforce development component, offering community courses and research assistant positions for Wright State students.
  • The Banerjee couple plans to create a system where customers can request custom items, such as a pencil holder, using recycled materials and AI-driven design tools.
  • The project includes an interdisciplinary collaboration between computer scientists, engineers, sociologists, economists, and stakeholders.
  • Wright State will acquire high-tech equipment, including a robotic weld-training system, a robotic arm, and augmented reality and virtual reality systems.

Statistics:

  • $2.999 million: The total amount of the National Science Foundation grant awarded to Wright State University.
  • 2024: The year Natasha and Sean Banerjee joined Wright State University, originally applying for the grant as faculty members at Clarkson University.
  • 2026: The year Wright State students will gain hands-on experience through research assistant positions.
  • 3 institutions: The number of National Science Foundation Future Manufacturing Research Grants focused on cyber-technologies, including Virginia Tech, Michigan State, and Wright State.

Sources:

  • Wright State University, "Nearly $3 Million NSF Grant Positions Wright State to Transform Scrap Metal Recycling," September 18, 2025, https://webapp2.wright.edu/web1/newsroom/2025/09/18/nearly-3-million-nsf-grant-positions-wright-state-to-transform-scrap-metal-recycling/