by Bailing Lin, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Germany.
Artificial intelligence is able to support technical problems if implemented responsibly. Every year millions of electronic wastes is thrown away, only a small fraction gets recycled and the newest and most modern technology is already on its way. With the rise of AI, even more high-performance computers are needed.
That raises the question of a more sustainable way of handling the products already in use. Desoltik, a young company based in Karlsruhe promises to change the way companies dispose the circuit board of their computers, aiming to be the one changing the future pathways of electronic components. With their AI powered software, it can efficiently scan the circuit board and calculate the most cost-efficient way of handling. Instead of just throwing old used electronics away it gives the chance of expanding the life cycle of said products. It incentivizes recycling, repairing and reusing, working with the goals of this centuries resource usage minimization image.
Now with this very motivated aim one would think that fitting into the conditions of the agenda in today’s world matches perfectly.
And it does. Giving “post-used” electronics especially these in high performance computers a chance, having AI implemented into their business and having a young, dynamic startup team with the business idea straight out of a university module, gives the illusion of a perfect startup ready to conquer the market. However, did you just read AI? Yes, the Artificial Intelligence that has been on the rise these past years, with many investors and key drivers of the new AI revolution like Mark Zuckerberg the CEO of Meta or the CEO of Nvidia Jensen Huang. The same AI that promises a bright future and more opportunities is on the other hand heavily criticized. It is accused of burdening and harming the environment, while also diminishing creativity and removing jobs by replacing them. Data protection is not sure to be in the responsibilities of anyone, it lacks transparency, many things are left open to be discussed about.
In this context with the implementation of AI being everywhere is there still a future we can have without it being in it? If not wouldn’t Desoltik be an example of a good use of AI, since the fast enforcement of AI into all different segments of the market accelerates electronic waste of computers?
As a fighter for sustainable decisions Desoltik as a new startup is freshly in the market giving new directions and ways. It is one way one uses the good of AI for humankind or in this case, for problems made by humankind. A company taking action and responsibility to resolve an everlasting issue. With that in mind the process of detecting and handling PCB’s (the circuit board) becomes scalable.
Many people reject the thought of AI use completely; some can tolerate it. When used by customers, rules and law should exist. EU AI act is an important regulation to monitor how AI should be coded when provided to customers as a product or service.
It is important to note that even if it seems like the answers of AI are always right, it is in fact not all-knowing, and we should be cautious of their judgement when making decisions for e-waste. Someone constantly checking up is crucial.
This innovation can lead to solving challenges in the future that are man-made, to which we haven’t found a breakthrough yet. A future where we can eagerly anticipate.
