AI-Powered Robots Could Help Reduce Electronic Waste

New artificial-intelligence-powered robots are beginning to be able to take various electronics apart, allowing for recoverable raw materials to be reused rather than discarded.

A German-based group of researchers is in the process of developing a robotic system that could dismantle an array of electronic waste in recycling centers.

A United Nations report states that an estimated 62 million tons of electronic waste were produced in 2022 alone, while only 22 per cent was recycled. Until now, the disassembly process has been labour-intensive and costly. However, robots that can take apart certain iPhones or computer hard drives exist; one that could be used on a mass disassembly line must first learn how to disassemble all the individual gadgets.

Dr José Saenz and his team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation estimate that an AI-robot such as this could be used in commercial disassembly routes within five years. The system currently in development can determine which components are worth saving and whether they should be returned to raw materials or refurbished and reused.