Remanufacturing utilising robotics and digital technologies: review and outlook

With manufacturing companies adopting sustainability and circular economy practices, the key to product development lies in considering the entire product lifecycle. In particular, all phases involving the design, use, maintenance, repair, remanufacturing and end of life of a product need to be considered at a very early stage so that repurposed products and recycling processes are as efficient as possible. The introduction and utilisation of robotic and automation technologies may lead to higher product and process circularity. This paper reviews concepts, technologies as well as tools and proposes a framework that may be used for achieving efficient remanufacturing economy strategies using robotics and digital manufacturing technologies.