Watch as Apple's 'Liam' iPhone-recycling robot tears down devices for the environment

Posted:
in General Discussion edited March 2016
At Apple's March 21 event on Monday, vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson took the stage to discuss the company's environmental initiatives, and debut its latest device: a robot designed in-house specifically to dismantle iPhone into useful materials.




Introduced onstage in a peppy video, "Liam" the robot -- more specifically a robotic arm -- was specifically developed by Apple engineers to pick apart iPhone and other gadgets, tearing the devices down into discreet modules. These parts, like an iPhone screen or logic board, can then be broken down further to recover materials for reintroduction into the global supply.

Jackson offered up specific examples, saying tungsten from iPhone's vibrator can be recycled into bits used on cutting tools, while silver from the logic board might make its way into vital components for solar panels. Liam also lets Apple target potentially troublesome chemicals like cobalt and lithium, which are culled from the battery.



Finally, Jackson plugged Apple Renew, the marketing name given to the company's reuse and recycling program. Customers can bring their iPhone, iPod and other devices into an Apple Store, or request a mailer online, to take part in a recycling program that is "safe for your data and safe for the planet."
timbit

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    timbittimbit Posts: 331member
    This is why I love Apple. Environmentally conscious and truly innovative
    potatoleeksoupthe other steveminicoffeeradarthekatjony0
  • Reply 2 of 7
    maltzmaltz Posts: 453member
    That robot has a very particular set of skills.
    razorpitbigbillygoatgruffjony0
  • Reply 3 of 7
    joshajosha Posts: 901member
    timbit said:
    This is why I love Apple. Environmentally conscious and truly innovative
    Sorry Liam, my iPhone4 still works perfectly and is a great  4" iPad for out of country travel.
  • Reply 4 of 7
    volcanvolcan Posts: 1,799member
    Perhaps they can run it in reverse and start building iPhones in the US.  ;)
    radarthekatration al
  • Reply 5 of 7
    Liam: "I have a very particular set of skills. I will find you, and I will recycle you!"
    ration alzomp
  • Reply 6 of 7
    radarthekatradarthekat Posts: 3,842moderator
    maltz said:
    That robot has a very particular set of skills.

    ---

    You can be certain one of those skills will be starring in an upcoming Apple commercial touting this feel-good aspect of Apple products to the masses.  I know this sort of thing makes me feel good about having a houseful of Apple products.  No other company gets my business in any market in which Apple participates.  Period, full stop, over and out.
  • Reply 7 of 7
    maltz said:
    That robot has a very particular set of skills.
    Nice
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