Apple Debuts iPhone Cycling Robot
In an effort to make the world a greener place, Apple has introduced its latest manufacturing innovation that it believes will help the company automate its way toward its recycling goal.
The most valuable technology company has debuted Daisy, a robot that can more efficiently disassemble iPhone to recover valuable materials which Apple says is a step closer to its goal of making products using only recycled or renewable materials.
Daisy featured on the cover of Apple’s 2018 environmental progress report can handle nine types of iPhones.
Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson says the company created Daisy to have a smaller footprint and the capability to disassemble multiple models of iPhones with higher variation compared to Liam.
“At Apple, we’re constantly working toward smart solutions to address climate change and conserve our planet’s precious resources. We’re also thrilled to introduce Daisy to the world, as she represents what’s possible when innovation and conservation meet.”
Apple believes it can recover materials that traditional recyclers don’t yet have the capability to recycling — and at a higher quality.
According to the Apple report, Daisy can recover 1,900 kilograms of aluminum (used in enclosures), 770kg of cobalt (a material crucial for making batteries), 710kg of copper (crucial in circuit boards) and 11kg of rare earth elements (which play a role in controlling magnets, and also are used in the cameras and haptics devices).
The company plans to install Daisy in multiple locations, starting in the United States and Europe. Here’s the list of products the system can handle: iPhone 5; iPhone 5s; iPhone SE; iPhone 6; iPhone 6 Plus; iPhone 6s; iPhone 6s; iPhone 7; and iPhone 7 Plus.
Last week, Apple announced its global facilities are now powered with 100 percent clean energy which it says includes retail stores, offices, data centres and co-located facilities in 43 countries — including China, India, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Apple also announced nine additional manufacturing partners committed to powering all of their Apple production with 100 percent clean energy, bringing the total number of supplier commitments to 23.
