The treatment of WEEE, in particular flat-panel displays (monitors and TVs), involves significant challenges in terms of safety, efficiency and economic sustainability. At the same time, the recovery of rare earths and strategic materials contained in such waste is increasingly complex and is a priority for the ecological transition and for Europe’s industrial autonomy.
The Bollate prison facility, the only one of its kind, combines circular economy and socio-employment inclusion: the introduction of advanced automation makes it possible to enhance the training of inmates, taking advantage of their skills and improving the prospects of reintegration into society.
With the Hiro Robotics start-up, A2A Life Ventures has developed a robotics line combining systems of AI, machine learning and artificial vision which enables the automatic recognition of different models of flat-panel displays.
A robotic arm then performs the disassembly, separating electronic components and critical materials with great precision.
The entire cycle is designed to be able to adapt to different devices, even new ones, while respecting safety, flow stability and compatibility with prison procedures.
This architecture makes it possible to reduce average processing times from 10 to 3.5 minutes and to achieve productivity of up to 55 units per hour, with a significant improvement in the quality of the recovery of strategic materials and rare earths.
New average treatment times
(reduced from 10 min/unit)
100% productivity in manual process
up to 55 unit/hour
LaboRAEE, the AMSA facility for electrical and electronic waste at the Bollate prison was set up in the context of less restrictive custody which favours the participation of inmates in training courses and skilled employment.
The project has made upskilling possible, thanks to which inmates have acquired skills in the supervision of robotic systems, in understanding the working of AI and artificial vision, in addition to knowledge of operational safety and the management of industrial processes.
Useful resources
A2A S.p.A. - P.I. 11957540153