Advances in computing such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and the cloud necessitate the need for data centers to upgrade and expand their facilities more frequently.
Data centers are major contributors to the 2.6 million tonnes of e-waste generated worldwide each year, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 (Figure 1).
ABB Robotics continues to support innovation ecosystems through collaboration and venture capital investments. ABB Robotics & Automation Ventures participated with an investment in Molg’s seed round led by Closed Loop Partners’ Ventures Group, alongside Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, Overture, Elemental Impact and Techstars Ventures.
Molg’s robotic micro-factory can autonomously assemble and disassemble complex electronic products including laptop PCs, servers and industrial electronics.
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 micro-factory 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,” said 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.”
