Largescale robotic electronics recycling

Purpose and goal:

The project aims to investigate how increased use of robotics in electronics recycling can contribute to increased productivity and recycling rate in the sector. A number of visits to recyclers and industry actors have been carried out and formed the basis of a market analysis where we identified three interesting applications for robotics in the sector.

These applications have been evaluated from a business perspective, and a selected application has been studied in detail in a technical concept study. Expected results and effects:

The main project result is a deep understanding of the industry and how robotics solutions can be used to create value. Three promising applications have been identified and one, quality assurance in flows of fragmented electronic waste, has been deemed particularly interesting to proceed with for a prototype development. Agreements on collaboration for the implementation of a prototype exist for fragmented electronic scrap have been established and we have applied for further funding for this prototype development together with a consortium of industry actors.

Approach and implementation:

The project began with a number of visits to electronics recycling facilities in Mälardalen as well as meetings and discussions with other industry players. This was the basis for market analysis and business study on three identified applications in the sector. With this as a basis, an application was specially selected for technical concept development including simulation, which was carried out during the latter part of the project.