Lortek Paves the Way for Circular Electronics

Empresa XXI magazine has featured Lortek's participation in Circuit4EU, a European project that is driving innovative solutions for the recovery and reuse of electronic components and raw materials from end-of-life equipment.

This international initiative aims to address two of the industry's major challenges: the growing volume of electronic waste and the need to reduce dependence on critical raw materials. To achieve this, the project will develop advanced technologies that promote circular economy models based on the recovery and reuse of electronic components.

Within this framework, Lortek will contribute its expertise in advanced robotics, automation, artificial intelligence and computer vision to develop solutions that automate the disassembly, inspection and recovery of reusable electronic components, increasing recovery rates and demonstrating the technical, economic and environmental viability of these new processes.

In addition, Lortek will lead the development of a robotic end-effector for the automated desoldering and extraction of electronic components from printed circuit boards (PCBs). The system will combine controlled heating technology, an adaptive force-controlled gripper, and a computer vision system capable of automatically detecting and locating components on the PCB. The solution will be validated in an industrial pilot for laptop disassembly at TTB's facilities in Brighton, United Kingdom.

The coverage of this project in Empresa XXI  highlights Lortek's commitment to developing innovative technologies that accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable, efficient and circular industry.