"E-waste has become a global problem. Unfortunately, the majority of discarded used technology, known as e-waste, is dumped or processed in unsafe conditions. Around of electronic products aren't properly recycled - and the garbage pile keeps growing. In 2024, the world churned out 1.22 billion smartphones. Add this to the billions of TVs, laptops, and computers, and what we have is a saturated market that fuels a throwaway cycle."
"At the Danish Technological Institute, researchers are building an AI-driven robotic system that could help tackle e-waste while scaling, modernising, and empowering the tech refurbishment industry. TNW received a demo of the project from Mikkel Labori Olsen, a consultant in robotics technology at the institute and researcher on the RoboSAPIENS project, which aims to make robot-human interaction safer. His team is developing a robot that automates laptop refurbishment, creating a revenue stream while reducing e-waste."
E-waste generation is rapidly increasing, with 1.22 billion smartphones produced in 2024 and projections reaching 80 million tonnes by 2030. Most discarded electronics are dumped or processed in unsafe conditions, and a large share of electronic products are not properly recycled. An AI-driven robotic system is being developed to automate laptop refurbishment, focusing initially on screen replacements to address a labor-intensive task and create revenue streams for local refurbishment businesses. The system uses a robotic arm, toolbox, camera, and trained models for visual recognition. Ongoing work aims to expand compatibility to more laptop models and brands.
Read at TNW | Sustainability
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