Researchers at the University of Tartu are giving old smartphones a new purpose by transforming them into tiny data centers, presenting an eco-friendly solution to electronic waste.
Researchers at the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science have unveiled a new approach to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainable data processing: converting old smartphones into tiny data centers.
Annually, over 1.2 billion smartphones are produced worldwide, consuming significant natural resources and energy. The rapid advancement in technology leads users to replace their devices every two to three years, often discarding still-functional phones. While recycling options exist, many old devices end up in landfills, exacerbating environmental impacts.
The team of researchers, including Huber Flores, Ulrich Norbisrath and Zhigang Yin from the University of Tartu, along with Perseverance Ngoy from the Institute of Technology and their international colleagues, are championing a creative solution.
By repurposing outdated smartphones, they are extending the devices’ lifespans and mitigating e-waste.
“Innovation often begins not with something new, but with a new way of thinking about the old, re-imagining its role in shaping the future,” Flores, an associate professor of pervasive computing, said in a news release.
Their experiment involved removing the phones’ batteries, using external power sources to prevent chemical leaks, and connecting four devices together with 3D-printed casings.
The result was a functional prototype of a tiny data center, costing only around 8 euros per device.
Caption: Prototype
Credit: Kadri-Ann Kivastik
These mini data centers have versatile applications. For instance, they can be used at bus stops to collect real-time passenger data, optimizing public transportation networks.
In an underwater test, the prototype helped monitor marine life by automatically counting sea species, a task typically requiring manual scuba diving.
“Sustainability is not just about preserving the future — it’s about reimagining the present, where yesterday’s devices become tomorrow’s opportunities,” added Norbisrath, an associate professor of software engineering.
The implications of this research are profound. It presents a practical, low-cost solution to e-waste, highlighting the potential to repurpose old technology for innovative and sustainable purposes. With minimal resources, outdated devices are transformed into tools that support environmental conservation and efficient data processing.
The study, published in IEEE Pervasive Computing, shows that with creativity and minimal investment, old smartphones can significantly contribute to more sustainable digital solutions, offering fresh perspectives on tackling e-waste.
Source: University of Tartu