Apple Unveils New Sustainable Robot Called Daisy
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Apple has shown off a new robot that can disassemble old iPhones and search for valuable parts inside as part of its ongoing recycling effort.
The robot, called Daisy, forms part of the Apple GiveBack scheme. Whenever the company receives a new device to recycle, it’s pledged to donate money to Conservation International, a non-profit environmental organization.
On Thursday, the tech giant said the GiveBack scheme and Daisy robot both form part of its commitment to “create a healthier planet through innovation” and help it create products “using only recycled or renewable materials”.
Meet Daisy the Robot
Daisy is Apple’s latest disassembly robot and is described as an “efficient way to reclaim more of the valuable materials stored in iPhone”.
The firm said Daisy uses technology and parts from Liam, which is a robot that it launched in 2016. Daisy can dissemble nine versions of the iPhone and look for high-quality components that can be reused in new products.
Lisa Jackson, vice president of environmental, policy and social initiatives at Apple, said that the company is “thrilled to introduce Daisy to the world” and that “she represents what’s possible when innovation and conservation meet”.
Apple GiveBack
Alongside Daisy the robot, Apple is also expanding its sustainability activities by partnering with Conservation International. It works with more than 30 countries to make the world a greener place.
Through the Apple GiveBack initiative, customers are able to trade in old devices at an Apple retail store or by heading over to the company’s website.
From this week until April 30th, Apple will make a donation to the charity for every device that’s donated as part of the scheme. In return, customers will be given in-store purchase credit or an Apple Store Gift Card.
Jackson added: “At Apple, we’re constantly working toward smart solutions to address climate change and conserve our planet’s precious resources.
“In recognition of Earth Day, we are making it as simple as possible for our customers to recycle devices and do something good for the planet through Apple GiveBack.”
A Sustainable Future
Last week, Apple announced that its global facilities – including retail stores, offices and data centers in over 40 countries – had reached the 100 percent clean energy milestone.
At the time, Apple CEO Tim Cook said: “We’re committed to leaving the world better than we found it. After years of hard work we’re proud to have reached this significant milestone.”
“We’re going to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the materials in our products, the way we recycle them, our facilities and our work with suppliers to establish new creative and forward looking sources of renewable energy because we know the future depends on it.”