Robots should be repurposed to combat e-waste crisis

Robots should be repurposed to combat e-waste crisis
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Jan 17, 2025

Researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of West England have urged the robotics industry to focus on developing robots that can be reprogrammed and repurposed for alternative tasks once their initial lifespan ends. Their findings are detailed in a study published in Towards Autonomous Robotic Systems.

The study challenges both industry and academia to consider the long-term impact of robotic systems, emphasizing the importance of sustainable design. Researchers point out that 80% of a robot's environmental impact is determined during the early stages of its design. Thus, understanding the limitations of recycling electronic products is crucial, and repurposing is presented as a viable alternative to promote a sustainable product lifecycle.

Repurposing robots offers a distinct advantage over traditional reuse methods. By integrating new hardware and reprogramming existing systems, robots can transition to entirely new functionalities, retaining their robotic nature but serving different purposes.

Helen McGloin, from Bristol's School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, explained: "Regardless of being in industry, academia, or the general public, we are all aware of the growing piles of e-waste produced around the globe.

"This research summarises the growth of electronics waste levels and the hazards to the planet and people this is causing.

"The Global e-waste monitor produced by the UN highlights in 2019 alone 54 million metric tons of e-waste were produced, and this is expected to rise to 75 million metric tons by 2030."

Although robots are not currently categorized as e-waste, the researchers argue that they align with existing definitions and are likely to be included in future classifications. This shift would bring increased scrutiny to the robotics industry regarding the end-of-life planning for robotic products.

Presently, unused robots are often placed in "hibernation," where they remain stored without being actively utilized. This approach is neither sustainable nor scalable given the rising levels of electronic waste worldwide.

"Levels of electronic waste are growing annually around the globe, and the introduction of new robotic products in homes, schools and workplaces will only add to this problem in the near future," McGloin added. "While recycling may seem like an easy option to tackle electronic waste, it is so often miss-managed that alternatives must be sought. This paper looks to challenge all those in the robotics industry to think creatively and pre-emptively into designing for a circular economy."

The study also identifies significant challenges to repurposing robots, including the economic and environmental viability of repurposing, technical feasibility, and shifting perceptions through incentives and legislation. The team plans to delve deeper into topics such as consumer attitudes toward second-hand robots, the right to repair, and industry approaches to the circular economy.

Their introductory paper incorporates a literature review and applies lessons from other segments of the electronics industry to robotics. This work serves as a foundational step toward addressing the e-waste crisis through innovative strategies.

Research Report:Consulting an Oracle; Repurposing Robots for the Circular Economy