Advertisement

Meet Daisy: the Apple robot that can recycle your old iPhone

Components of iPhones including gold, copper and lithium, can be recycled for new smartphones: Apple
Components of iPhones including gold, copper and lithium, can be recycled for new smartphones: Apple

As the world’s most valuable company, sustainability is an important thing to Apple.

Earlier this year, the company revealed it was running off 100 per cent renewable energy. That’s across its main San Francisco office, Apple Park, as well as its data centres and Apple retail stores around the world.

But, there’s another sustainable goal Apple has been trying to achieve.

It wants to improve the sustainability of its products, through recycling. And to do just that, its built its own iPhone-recycling robot, named Daisy.

What you need to know about Apple’s robot, Daisy

Daisy is an upgraded version of Liam, a similar robot that was made two years ago.

Daisy, Apple's robot in action (Apple)
Daisy, Apple's robot in action (Apple)

When in action, Daisy can take apart around 200 iPhones per hour, removing and sorting the different materials in the devices without damaging them.

The robot scans the iPhone to see the make and device and works out the precise amount of the inside components. Then, Daisy disassembles the smartphone, using a range of attachments and suction cups, to separate out the parts and metals.

The iPhone components that can be recycled include gold, copper, platinum, lithium, aluminium and steel. Once removed from an old device, these parts can be used to make new iPhones.

How can Daisy recycle my old iPhone?

Apple has unveiled Daisy ahead of Earth Day, which takes place this Sunday.

If you want Daisy to recycle your old iPhone, simply hand it in at an Apple Store or via apple.com through the Apple GiveBack programme until the end of April.

As well, the company says it will make a donation to the charity Conservation International for every iPhone handed in.

Lisa Jackson, the company’s VP of environment, policy and social initiatives, said in a statement: “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.”