Microsoft uses AI robots to dismantle and destroy data center hard drives

Robots powered by artificial intelligence are used by Microsoft destroy old data center hard drivesAs explained in a video released by the company in early September, the process allows for the reduction of electronic waste as well as the recycling of valuable materials.

The disposal of HDs at the end of their life cycle is mainly for the following purposes: protection of stored confidential databut this also results in the loss of materials such as neodymium in the equipment. With around 70 million records destroyed each year, there is a significant waste of rare metals.

To solve the problem, the Redmond giant started investing Dismantling HDs with robotics, using computer vision to divide the device, classify it, and destroy the part containing the dataAt the same time, metals are preserved for recycling.

Under the “Safe and Sustainable Disposal of Hard Drives” project, the destruction of hard drives by AI-powered robots is led by data scientist Ranganathan Srikanth and is associated with Microsoft Circular Centers, a program that aims for bold sustainability goals. One of the plans make the company carbon negative by 2050.

Excessive e-waste and high energy demand

Data centers that house key systems and components already had high energy demands, which Expected to double by 2026 thanks to new AI toolsWith this in mind, projects like Microsoft’s are important for reducing e-waste in facilities nearing the end of their life.

At Circular Centers, machine learning is used to decommission servers and sort reusable parts. In a pilot project in the Netherlands, the company achieved: greater component availability and lower carbon emissionsfrom integration into the enterprise.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Predict the Safe and Sustainable Destruction of Hard Drives, At least 90% of HDs will be reused and recycled by next year.