Energy Jun 30, 2021 6:00 PM
Eafit University, with the support of Postobón, initiated a pilot test of the Kratos-Postobón Recycling Vehicle (VRK) prototype.
This cost-efficient means of transportation aims to improve the working conditions and quality of life of recyclers, La Republica reported.
The vehicle was received by the Cooperativa Multiactiva de Recicladores de Medellín (Recimed), which will evaluate it on one of its collection routes.
The VRK was created thanks to an open innovation challenge posed by Postobón to Eafit, which focused on the needs of waste pickers and recyclers in Medellín, to facilitate their work.
“We are pleased to work hand in hand with Eafit University supporting the Kratos project, with which we promote solutions with social impact, based on open innovation,” Martha Ruby Falla, Sustainability Director of Postobón.
Falla said that this project will contribute positively to the recyclers, facilitating their collection process and improving their productivity.
The vehicle has an average speed of 8 km/h and can travel 35km per day, depending on the conditions of the road.
This prototype will be able to reach steep areas and narrow streets, and can carry up to 120 kg of recyclable material.
The vehicle has electro-assisted traction and hydraulic disc brakes, making it easier to drive and safer to handle on the roads.
Bottom-Line: Alliances between academia and the private sector generate effective solutions such as the VRK. Undoubtedly, the start of pilot tests is great news for the recyclers sector, and a great opportunity to scale these vehicles throughout the country.
