eLoop to use AI-based technology for recycling flat panel displays

Electronics recycler eLoop, Export, Pennsylvania, will offer the industry what it says is the first fully automated artificial intelligence (AI) robotic processing system in the U.S. to recycle the valuable materials found inside end-of-life flat panel televisions and monitors, or flat panel displays (FPDs). 

The new FPD Pro machine, supplied by Limerick, Ireland-based FPD Recycling, will be housed at eLoop’s State College, Pennsylvania, facility, and is designed to enhance efficiency and safety while increasing the volume of FPDs processed while securely containing the hazardous materials found inside.  

ELoop says FPDs typically have a shorter lifespan than previous models, and the number approaching or surpassing end-of-life use continues to grow, including the 220 million units sold globally in 2016. 

The FPD Pro system is automated and securely enclosed, saving workers from potential exposure to harmful substances, such as mercury, cadmium and lead. ELoop says the FPD Pro can safely open around 90 FPDs per hour compared with around four per hour for someone working manually. 

“Because of the hazardous elements involved and the extensive manual labor required, the current method of disassembling FPDs for recycling purposes is inefficient, costly and potentially harmful to the worker,” eLoop CEO and founder Ned Eldridge says. “Improved productivity with the FPD Pro will allow us to provide this low- cost solution to recyclers so that they no longer have to expose their workers to hazardous elements while manually disassembling flat screens.” 

By recycling FPDs in a more efficient way, the company says it aims to add more clean, recoverable components to the circular economy and keep the materials out of landfills. It says the new technology supplied through its partnership with FPD Recycling will position it as the leading processor of FPDs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Maryland for recyclers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that want to save money on processing and transportation. 

ELoop calculates it will save 7,900 tons of carbon dioxide per year by recycling FPDs once FPD Pro is in full production, compared with producing virgin materials. 

“ELoop continues to be a leader by adopting cutting- edge robotics and artificial intelligence to recycle FPDs safely and efficiently,” FPD Recycling CEO Paudy O’Brien says. “We are excited to partner with eLoop to demonstrate how to marry state-of-the-art technology with traditional electronics recycling. Our vision is that every used FPD becomes a valuable commodity rather than hazardous waste, and I am delighted to see eLoop have that same vision.”