Development and Evaluation of a Semi-Automated Pilot System for Selective PCB Disassembly in Support of the Circular Economy

In this paper, some of the outcomes of the CIRC-UITS project will be presented, focused on the development of a semi-automated disassembly system for printed circuit boards (PCBs) within the context of promoting circular economy practices in the electronic sector. Building upon prior work, the report outlines the reconfiguration and technological advancement of a pilot plant integrating key enabling technologies (KETs) such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, and collaborative robotics (cobots). The developed system aims to enhance the efficiency, selectivity, and safety of electronic component disassembly operations. The document details the hardware and software architecture of the pilot plant, including safety enhancements. Furthermore, training sessions with industrial partners are analyzed, offering insights into the system’s practical deployment and operator interaction. Finally, the report examines the challenges associated with selective disassembly, particularly data availability for AI training, and outlines future directions, including standardization efforts and scalability considerations.