The introduction of artificial intelligence and collaborative robotics doubles productivity in WEEE treatment, offering training and job inclusion to inmates of the Bollate prison

by Marco Arezio

On October 21, the A2A Group inaugurated a new robotics line at the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) treatment plant, located inside the Second House of Detention in Bollate and managed by Amsa.

This new line represents an important step forward in the field of circular economy and sustainable management of electronic waste, leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and collaborative robotics.

A cutting-edge plant in the European context

The facility, operational since 2018, was designed to be much more than a simple waste disposal plant. Built within a unique context in Europe, the Bollate prison stands out for its attenuated custody model and the active participation of inmates in productive activities.

This plant represents a virtuous case of circular economy and social inclusion, demonstrating that the reuse and valorization of resources are not limited to materials, but can also involve people.

Thanks to the facility, inmates have the opportunity to undertake a concrete path of professional training, learning technical skills related to the management of electronic waste.

This work rehabilitation process contributes not only to their personal and professional growth, but also to the broader goal of an ecological transition.

The recovery of critical raw materials contained in WEEE, such as rare earths and precious metals, is essential for the development of green technologies and for reducing dependence on limited natural resources.

The new line: technological innovation and growth in efficiency

The real novelty of the Bollate plant is represented by the robotic line developed in collaboration with Hiro Robotics , which introduces artificial intelligence and collaborative robotics into the electronic waste treatment process.

This line is one of a kind and marks a significant improvement over traditional methods.

Thanks to robotics, the processing time for monitors, one of the most common and complex components of WEEE, has been reduced to just 3.5 minutes from the previous 10 minutes.

This increase in efficiency allows for doubled productivity, while improving the precision in separating the different materials contained in electronic devices.

Advanced automation also makes the entire WEEE management cycle more sustainable and cost-effective, increasing the plant's ability to respond to the growing demand for disposal and recovery of obsolete equipment.

LaboRaee: a project of inclusion and professionalization

In addition to technological innovation, the "LaboRaee" project stands out for its humanitarian and inclusive approach.

Currently, five inmates are employed at the facility, but with the introduction of the new technology, a significant increase in staff is expected. The project offers inmates not only a job, but also a path of professional growth that makes them protagonists of an evolving circular economy.

The project focuses on upskilling, that is, the acquisition of new skills by prisoners , who not only learn to manage automated processes, but also become an integral part of a production chain that has a positive impact on both the environment and their future lives.

This approach to professional rehabilitation makes Bollate a model to be replicated in other contexts, demonstrating that the circular economy can be a driver of social inclusion and not just environmental sustainability.

The future of WEEE management

The initiative of A2A and Amsa at the Bollate prison is not only an example of technological innovation, but represents a broader vision for the future of WEEE management in Italy and Europe.

E-waste recycling is a crucial sustainability challenge, as the amount of WEEE is growing exponentially with rapid technological progress and the increasingly short life cycle of electronic devices.

The robotic line inaugurated in Bollate demonstrates how new technologies can make the disposal process more efficient, sustainable and safe, while ensuring optimal management of resources and reducing the use of landfills or disposal practices that are harmful to the environment.

Conclusion

The project launched in the Bollate prison represents a virtuous model of integration between technology, circular economy and social inclusion.

The introduction of artificial intelligence and collaborative robotics not only improves the efficiency of electronic waste treatment, but also offers a second chance to prisoners, demonstrating that innovation can serve society and the environment.

This plant is a tangible example of how the circular economy can contribute not only to environmental sustainability, but also to building a more equitable and inclusive future for all.