Apple presents Daisy, the iPhone recycling robot

Each year, as Earth day zeroes in, recycling/energy saving endeavors across the globe get a significant boost, and all sort of industry giants try to set an example to increase awareness of all factors that can prove harmful for the environment. This year it is Apple’s turn to prove that recycling is not only good for the environment, but for the company itself. In this respect, Apple came up with a recycling robot named Daisy that can tear down iPhones and other devices in just a few minutes.

Daisy is actually an improved version of another dismantling robot named Liam that was built by Apple two years ago. The very first thing Daisy performs before dismantling a device is to scan the model and determine the exact number of components. It then uses various attachments and suction cups to tear down the device component by component, salvaging all sorts of valuable materials that can be reused in future models. Some of these materials include gold, copper, platinum, lithium, aluminum and steel. No less than nine device models can be distinguished by Daisy, and the robot can dismantle up to 200 of these per hour, at the same time sorting all the salvaged materials.

The company is also running a special GiveBack program that allows Apple clients who own older phone models to recycle them via select stores or on apple.com. For each one of these phones, Apple promises to make a donation to the non-profit Conservation International organization. Users who turn in eligible models may receive credit that can be used to purchase new models or it can be added to an Apple Store Gift Card.

The GiveBack program will be in full effect up until April 30. Next year, maybe Apple could include Daisy robots in select stores in order to hype things up even more.

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