Challenges of robotic disassembly in practice

Abstract

The challenge of end-of-life treatment of waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) has been present for decades. The level of research in developing solutions for managing waste products has grown in complexity and advanced with developing technologies. Despite extensive efforts, the problem remains and the urgency to solve it is becoming more pressing. Robotic disassembly and automation are considered promising solutions to aid in the disassembly stage of WEEE treatment, but there is a question as to what has inhibited its wider implementation in practice. In this paper, this question is answered through a critical evaluation of the current “state of practice” and “state of the art” of robotic disassembly and aspects which limit wider industry implementation are outlined. Robotic disassembly systems are assessed based on levels of automation and uncertainties present in end-of-life products which are addressed. The results demonstrate that there is a compromise between increasing levels of automation of a disassembly system and its ability to address uncertainties throughout the disassembly process.