Robotic Disassembly

Robotic disassembly systems use robotics and control software to develop safe and efficient technologies for end-of-life processes by disassmbling component parts for disposal, reuse or recycling. This is especially useful for manufacturers who are looking for more efficient ways to build products from a combination of reused, repaired, or recycled parts using remanufacturing. It is generally more challenging to use robots to disassemble than assemble because there are more unknowns in the size, shape, and condition of used products. Hence, these systems are more sophisticated, usually combining machine vision and other tools that can handle variances and uncertainty. They are most commonly used for products with hazardous chemicals, such as batteries.

Remanufacturing can use as little as 10 per cent of the energy and raw materials required to build the product from scratch. It can also reduce CO2 emissions by more than 80 per cent.