Data Center World 2025

As demand for computing power grows, data centers are facing increasing pressure to manage hardware costs, address the growing challenge of e-waste and navigate supply chain disruptions. Yet most retired IT equipment is still prematurely decommissioned, leaving valuable
components and materials under utilized.in this session, Rob Lawson-Shanks, CEO & Co-Founder of Molg, will explore how automation and AI-driven robotics are transforming IT asset recovery — providing a scalable, economically viable alternative to traditional recycling, shredding, and disposal. Molg’s robotic microfactories autonomously disassemble servers, HDDs, and other complex electronics, recovering high-value components for reuse, remanufacturing, or recycling. Unlike destructive processes, precision automation preserves component integrity, making high-value recovery both cost-effective and scalable. This approach reduces costs while strengthening supply chain resilience for data center operators. Rob will discuss how circular manufacturing extends IT infrastructure lifecycles, reduces reliance on virgin materials, and helps build a more resilient and sustainable supply chain.

Takeaway

1. Automation in Circular Manufacturing enables cost-effective, scalable recovery of IT assets, reducing dependency on new manufacturing.
2. Recovering High-Value Components through robotics-driven disassembly preserves critical materials for reuse, lowering costs and strengthening supply chains.
3. Precision Disassembly Maximizes Value by enabling targeted component recovery, in contrast to traditional recycling methods that often destroy reusable parts.
4. A Lifecycle Approach to IT Assets requires considering design and traceability to ensure hardware can be efficiently recovered, reused, or remanufactured.
5. The Future of Robotic Recovery is reshaping IT infrastructure, making circularity a practical and scalable reality for data centers.