ABB Robotics, Molg partner to recycle electronics at data centers

ABB Robotics and startup Molg are working together to create robotic microfactories to recover and recycle data center operators’ disused electronic equipment, or e-scrap. Citing research claiming that global e-scrap is projected to rise to 75 million tons by 2030, the companies say their microfactories will play a vital role in reducing the material, helping the data center sector operate more efficiently and sustainably.

“Through this collaboration, we continue to realize our vision of helping organizations operate more efficiently and sustainably,” says Craig McDonnell, managing director of business line industries at ABB Robotics, a Switzerland-based company with a U.S. headquarters in Cary, North Carolina. “With Molg, we are creating new applications for industrial robotics in a growing segment with circularity and sustainability at the core. Our solution enables the upgrading and automated disassembly of data center equipment, helping to create greater circularity in the data center sector through responsible disposal, recycling and reuse of components.”

ABB Robotics says it continues to support innovation ecosystems through collaboration and venture capital investments. ABB Robotics & Automation Ventures has previously invested in Virginia-based Molg’s seed round, led by Closed Loop Partners’ Ventures Group, alongside Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Overture, Elemental Impact and Techstars Ventures.

Molg was recognized as a winner by ABB’s Motion drive business in its ABB Accelerating Circularity Startup Challenge 2023. Molg’s robotic microfactory can autonomously assemble and disassemble complex electronic products, including laptops, servers and industrial electronics.

As an alternative to manual disassembly or sending equipment to landfills or incineration, the partners say the microfactory solves many of the challenges associated with the disposal of e-scrap. The companies add that automated disassembly reduces the risks associated with handling toxic elements that can damage the environment and human health, and releases workers from handling arduous and potentially dangerous tasks.

The companies say that with many components also containing rare earth elements (REEs), the ability to maximize their recovery through automation also provides an economic opportunity to reuse them in the production of new electronic equipment. The microfactory solution is aimed at hyperscalers operating large networks of data centers and IT asset disposition (ITAD) companies.

“We are excited to have the support of ABB, a global leader in robotics and automation, as we continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in circularity and automation,” says Rob Lawson-Shanks, CEO and co-founder of Molg. “With this investment from ABB, we can accelerate our work to create more sustainable, circular manufacturing processes for electronics that ensure valuable materials are kept in circulation and enhance supply chain resilience.”

The microfactory is part of Molg’s wider portfolio that includes design-for-circularity and component traceability software tools enabling manufacturers to create products that can be easily demanufactured and recycled at the end of their life.