Danish AI Robot Offers New Hope for Global E-Waste Crisis

Electronic waste has become a severe global crisis. Nearly 78% of used electronic devices are not recycled properly, causing millions of tonnes of e-waste to accumulate every year. In 2024 alone, 1.22 billion smartphones were produced, and according to the United Nations, global e-waste will reach 80 million tonnes by 2030—enough to fill 1.5 million trucks lined up around the Earth.

Amid this growing crisis, a robotic innovation from Denmark is offering a new path forward. Researchers at the Danish Technological Institute are developing an AI-powered robot capable of refurbishing old laptops and making them suitable for resale. The robot can automatically open and replace laptop screens—a task that is usually time-consuming and difficult for local businesses facing labour shortages. It can already replace screens in two laptop models, with more models being added soon.

Researchers note that simply replacing a few basic components, such as the screen, can revive a laptop worth around 200 euros. In contrast, fully recycling the device yields only about 10 euros. This means e-waste is actually an untapped “goldmine.” In fact, one tonne of discarded smartphones contains more gold than a tonne of mined ore.

However, challenges remain. The wide variety of hardware, high cost of robotics, and the need for new AI training to handle variations between devices all create barriers. Many companies still do not recognise the financial potential of large-scale refurbishment. Even so, European firms such as Tier1A, Refurb, and GreenMind are pushing ahead with the goal of restoring thousands of devices each day.

Researchers believe robotics and AI will soon transform e-waste management. Hazardous and labour-intensive tasks will become automated, and countless abandoned devices worldwide will yield valuable metals—providing fresh resources for the global technology industry.

DBTech/BMT/OR