Apple reveals new robot to take apart and reuse iPhones as part of Earth Day

'Daisy' is part of a mission to use only recycled components in the iPhone

Andrew Griffin
Thursday 19 April 2018 20:55 BST
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Apple has created a new robot – not for building products, but for ripping iPhones apart.

The robot, named Daisy, can take nine different iPhones models apart and extract the important parts of them, in ways traditional recyclers cannot. They can then be used all over again, helping to cut wastage out of the process of making phones.

The new announcement is part of Apple's broad plans for Earth Day, the event held on 22 April each year to mark green efforts. It also said that it would encourage people to recycle more of their phones, so that they can be broken up by Daisy: for every iPhone handed in until 30 April through its GiveBack recycling scheme, it will make a donation to Conservation International.

Both of the efforts come as part of Apple's wide-ranging commitment to the environment, which recently saw it announce that it is entirely powered with renewable energy. And they help contribute to one key part of that commitment: the hope that eventually every Apple product will only be made with recycled products.

(Apple

“At Apple, we’re constantly working toward smart solutions to address climate change and conserve our planet’s precious resources,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. “In recognition of Earth Day, we are making it as simple as possible for our customers to recycle devices and do something good for the planet through Apple GiveBack. We’re also thrilled to introduce Daisy to the world, as she represents what’s possible when innovation and conservation meet.”

The Daisy robot is actually a more advanced version of Liam, the robot first announced in 2016. The new version, named Daisy, incorporates some of the same parts and technology that were made for its predecessor.

It can take apart 200 iPhones per hour. After doing so, it takes out the components and sorts them.

Apple will also offer a special Watch achievement to people who do a 30 minute workout on Earth Day. And Apple stores around the world will feature logos with green leaves or window decals in celebration of the day.

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