Fraunhofer IPA to showcase AI disassembly robot in Berlin

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA) will present an AI-driven demonstrator for the circular economy on November 9 and 10, 2026, in Berlin. The system is designed to automate the disassembly of complex products, such as water pumps and electrical appliances, to facilitate the pure recovery of valuable components and raw materials.

Rather than following rigid programming, the demonstrator uses a combination of computer vision and a large language model to localize devices, identify specific screw types, and autonomously plan disassembly steps. The AI also manages necessary tool changes based on the recognized device specifications. This technology is part of the PAnDA project, which focuses on digital product passports for sustainable development, disassembly, and sorting through automation. The initiative is supported by 3.1 million euros from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.