Robotics Meets E‑Waste Management

Researchers at the Danish Technological Institute are tackling the growing problem of electronic waste with a robotic system that automates the replacement of laptop screens. The robot, equipped with a robotic arm, a toolbox, and a camera, uses AI and visual recognition to identify different laptop models, remove protective plastics, unscrew the screens, and replace them. This capability addresses a task that is traditionally manual, time‑consuming, and difficult to staff.

Demonstrated Success and Ongoing Expansion

The system has already been trained to replace screens on two laptop models and their sub‑models. The team is now working to broaden the robot’s disassembly abilities to cover a wider range of devices, with the goal of creating a production‑ready solution for local Danish refurbishment businesses.

Economic Benefits of Refurbishment

Refurbished laptops can be sold for about €200, while the material value of a fully recycled laptop is roughly €10. By swapping out a few components, the robot helps generate significantly higher value than simply grinding the device for raw materials.

Human‑In‑The‑Loop Safety

Because unexpected variations—such as different screw colors—can challenge the AI, the system incorporates human oversight. Operators can intervene when the robot flags an issue, ensuring reliability and safety in hazardous or complex disassembly tasks.

Broader Implications for the E‑Waste Industry

The initiative underscores the untapped financial potential of e‑waste, where a tonne of discarded smartphones can contain more gold than a tonne of mined ore. While challenges remain—such as the high cost of robotics and the diversity of hardware—the Danish project demonstrates that AI‑enabled automation can make refurbishment a scalable, profitable business model.

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