ABB Robotics UK

Recycling an electronic waste stream is complicated because the waste may contain some hazardous materials.

How do you efficiently separate valuable components from those that are hazardous (and there are many) to generate additional revenue from one and efficiently and environmentally sensitively dispose of the other? Irish technology start-up FPD Recycling is tackling the waste generated by the estimated 9 million computer and TV flat panel displays (FPDs) disposed of every year in the UK by installing the country’s first fully automated robotic system of its kind for recycling this high value but extremely hazardous waste stream.

The hugely innovative, patented Artificial Intelligence (AI) -based recycling system, which currently integrates two ABB robots, can process up to 100 screens or 200 laptops an hour when running at full capacity.

The system was installed at electronics-recycling specialist Areera in Elland, West Yorkshire, and a further three machines, incorporating a total of six robots are being installed on the same site.

With waste electronics said to be the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, this new, completely automated and – importantly - enclosed system is essential.