RoboCycler | Intelligent WEEE Recycling
Supported by EIT RawMaterials

Recovering Strategic Metals
Through Robotic Intelligence

RoboCycler revolutionizes the recycling of HDDs and SSDs. We replace destructive shredding with AI-driven disassembly to recover 99% of Critical Raw Materials (CRM) and Rare Earth Elements (REE).

About the Initiative

Closing Material Loops in Europe

RoboCycler is a strategic acceleration project funded by EIT RawMaterials, running from June 2025 to December 2026. Our primary goal is to address the EU's urgent need for a resilient supply of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) by treating End-of-Life (EoL) products not as waste, but as a resource.

Duration: 18 Months Focus: RIS Regions Area: D2 Acceleration
4 Bn
HDDs produced worldwide (2010-2020)
30%
Of global HDDs are used in Europe
The Urban Mine
Billions of drives are phasing out by 2030, replaced by SSDs. This creates a massive, untapped reservoir of raw materials.
The Market Gap

Why Focus on HDDs?

Hard Disk Drives are inseparable elements of our digital history, but they pose a recycling challenge. They contain valuable Aluminum, Copper, Nickel, and most importantly, Rare Earth Magnets.

With current technologies, these materials are lost. RoboCycler bridges the gap between legacy technology and a green future by creating a dedicated, robotized value chain specifically for these devices.

The Challenge of E-Waste

Current methods rely on shredding, which results in significant material loss. RoboCycler changes the paradigm.

  • >90% loss of Rare Earth Magnets in standard shredders
  • Downcycling of pure metals into low-quality alloys
  • High energy consumption processes

The RoboCycler Solution

An automated plant utilizing robotic solutions supported by Artificial Intelligence. We don't shred; we disassemble.

>99%
Recovery Rate
-70%
CO2 Emissions
AI
Vision Systems
TRL 6
Demonstrated Tech

Targeting Critical Raw Materials

Our process ensures a resilient and sustainable European source for strategic metals found in WEEE.

REE Magnets
48t
Per Year / Plant
Nd, Pr, Dy, Co
CRM Metals
25t
Per Year / Plant
Au, Ag, Sn, Ta, Pd
Aluminum
High Purity
Alloy Recovery
Strategic Al & Mg
Capacity
500t
WEEE Input
Scalable Pilot
Our Commitment

Sustainable Development Goals

9

Industry & Innovation

Building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

12

Responsible Consumption

Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.

13

Climate Action

Reducing CO2 emissions significantly via recycling.

15

Life on Land

Protecting ecosystems by reducing mining needs.

RoboCycler

Circular Societies through robotic innovation. Turning e-waste into strategic resources for the European Union.

info@robocycler.eu

Supported By

EIT RawMaterials

Co-funded by the European Union. Proposal Number 24684.

© 2025 RoboCycler Project. All rights reserved.