HOBI Weekly Blog Recap (12/04-12/07)
A large problem faced by e-scrap facilities is batteries, or more specifically, battery fires. Most electronics are manufactured with lithium-ion batteries, which are known for their explosive tendencies when damaged. Chemical fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have plagued the industry for years, but a new project is underway that aims to create an AI-powered system that can detect and automatically remove batteries from e-scrap before they can present a fire risk.
The GRINNER project, funded by the European Union and led by software company LYNQ Poland, kicked off earlier this year and will image e-scrap on a conveyor belt using an X-ray vision system. Then, an AI-powered software will examine the images to identify where the damaged batteries are located.
The hazardous batteries will then be removed automatically by robot arms before the material can be shredded. By doing so, the R&D project hopes to remove the long-time issue of battery fires in the e-scrap industry.
A system will first be tested in Romania at the Green WEEE Recycling plant and also look to commercialize a battery identification and removal system.
The project launched Sep.1 and is expected to last through August 2025.
Lithium-ion battery fires are chemical reactions that cannot be extinguished by typical means. All battery removals should be handled by professionals in the industry to avoid causing house fires. HOBI International Inc. is a premiere IT asset management and disposition facility with more than 30 years of experience in the industry and locations in Texas, Arizona and Illinois. HOBI professionals are trained to handle the removal of damaged batteries with the appropriate safety tools, and undergo safety training.
For more information about HOBI and our ITAD services call 817-814-2620, or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.
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