Lea Zamuner
Technical Communications Coordinator, ISWA
ISWA is proud to announce the launch of IBot4CRMs, an innovative Horizon Europe project harnessing the potential of AI-powered, self-learning robotic systems to tackle Europe’s growing concern over Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). These critical elements are essential for the production of a wide range of advanced products, particularly in the electronic and automotive industries. The availability of CRMs was identified already many years ago as an issue, but recent and current geopolitical events have brought this possible crisis to a strategic discussion level at the EU and elsewhere around the world.
CRMs are generally extracted from mining operations in only a few places in the world, which makes their supply chain vulnerable to shocks and disruptions. Ibot4CRMs will reduce dependency on imported raw materials through urban mining to complement external sources which are processed in facilities like the Glencore Nikkelverk Norway plant, who graciously allowed us to visit their impressive copper production facility in Kristiansand. This plant provides almost 40% of the EU consumption of nickel, copper and cobalt, most of it sourced from extraction operations around the globe and with only limited amounts of post-industrial and production waste being recycled. The project will maximize the recovery and recycling of CRMs from post-consumer waste by using smart technologies and integrated digital tools that can recognize products that contain valuable materials. Using robots in this manner will make recovery more efficient but will also improve workers welfare as sorting and recovery operations can in some cases come with health and safety concerns. This approach will increase recoverability and thus contribute to achieving greater resilience in the supply of CRMs in Europe, answering the challenges and objectives set out in the Critical Raw Material Act and the European Green Deal.
Our Collaboration Fuels Scalable Innovative Solutions
The project’s goal is to develop robotic systems to automate the sorting, dismantling, and recovery of valuable materials like neodymium magnets, copper, gold, and silver from waste streams. IBot4CRMs brings together 18 partners, including ISWA, from all over Europe. The multidisciplinary nature of the consortium is one of its strengths, combining providers of state-of-the-art technology and sensors with active and innovative players in the recovery of valuable materials and recycling in real commercial use cases. Led by the NORCE, this Horizon Europe project kicked off the 4-year project with an initial gathering in Kristiansand, Norway, in January 2024. During the meetings the partners set in motion the basis for innovation, collaboration and success which we will be sharing with you as the work progresses.
To accelerate the uptake of the project outcomes, four end-users from key waste management sectors—car disposal and recycling, urban waste, and electric motor recycling— will be actively participating and putting the new technologies to use in real life scenarios. These end-users will demonstrate the effectiveness of the solutions across four pilot trials. This approach not only enables real-world validation but also paves the way for a cost-effective business strategy for large-scale deployment.
Stay in touch!
After a successful launch in Kristiansand, ISWA, together with all partners, is looking forward to creating a lasting impact on Europe’s strategic competitiveness by ensuring resilience in the supply of CRMs. Follow the newly launched IBot4CRMs LinkedIn page to stay in touch and be made aware of the next steps of our 4-year project!
