Utilisation of Reconfigurable Recycling Systems for Improved Material Recovery from E-Waste

Abstract

The key features of reconfigurable manufacturing systems, including modularity, scalability and customisability, have provided production flexibility to enable manufacturers to deal with increasing demands for product variability and emerging smart materials. This increased complexity in design and material mix has also highlighted a need for more flexible and advanced technologies for recycling modern products at the end of their life. This paper examines the adoption of key features in reconfigurable systems to increase flexibility and automation in recycling activities. The application of such a ‘Reconfigurable Recycling System’ (RRS) has been illustrated using a specially designed robotic cell which disassembles and concentrates strategically important materials from components of electrical cars.