Every year, millions of old household appliances are disposed of in Germany alone. Washing machines, fridges and dryers. Many of them end up in the shredder. Yet these appliances contain valuable materials and components that could be reused. Researchers at Chemnitz University of Technology are working to change this.
Disassemble step by step
In April 2026, a team from the Chair of Production Systems and Processes traveled to the Slovenian headquarters of household appliance manufacturer Gorenje. They were accompanied by a self-developed station for dismantling washing machines. Disassembly means dismantling appliances in a targeted manner in order to reuse as many parts as possible instead of simply destroying them.
The station uses a touchscreen with videos, images and texts to show employees step by step which action is required next. Artificial intelligence checks whether the disassembly is carried out in the correct order. The software also uses the serial number to decide in advance which components can still be used. A lifting device tilts the washing machine so that work can be carried out ergonomically and no one has to lift heavy loads.
