Apple Reveals 'Daisy' iPhone Recycling Robot Ahead Of Earth Day

Apple has installed a new robot ahead of Earth Day to help recycle all the iPhone models that are turned in and recapture some of the valuable materials inside the smartphones. The robot is called Daisy and it is designed to more efficiently disassemble iPhones and help Apple to meet its goal of making its products with only recycled or renewable materials.

"At Apple, we’re constantly working toward smart solutions to address climate change and conserve our planet's precious resources," said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. "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. We're also thrilled to introduce Daisy to the world, as she represents what's possible when innovation and conservation meet."

Apple says that Daisy is the most efficient way to reclaim more of the valuable materials inside the iPhone. The robot was built after more than a year of R&D, and Daisy is based on what Apple gleaned from building its first disassembly robot, Liam, in 2016. In fact, Daisy reuses some parts from Liam and the new bot can disassemble nine different versions of the iPhone.

Up to 200 iPhone devices per hour can be disassembled and components from each are removed and sorted to recover materials that other recyclers aren't able to do and recover the materials with higher quality. Along with the unveiling of Daisy for Earth Day, Apple has also noted that its global facilities are now powered with 100% clean energy.

That includes retail stores, offices, data centers, and co-located facilities in 43 countries including China, India, the U.K. and the U.S. There are also nine Apple manufacturing partners that are committed to powering all Apple production with 100% clean energy.