A team from the University of Tartu in Estonia has developed a novel approach to reduce electronic waste by converting old smartphones into mini data centers.
The project, led by Huber Flores, Ulrich Norbisrath, Zhigang Yin, and Perseverance Ngoy, aims to address the environmental impact of the over 1.2 billion smartphones produced annually.
Rather than discarding functional but outdated devices, the team reengineered them for data processing and storage. “Sustainability isn’t just about the future—it’s about finding smart ways to reuse what we already have today,” the researchers stated.
One prototype, built by removing the phones’ batteries and connecting them with 3D-printed holders, cost just 8 euros per unit. The system successfully processed real-time transport data and even monitored sea life underwater.
Published in IEEE Pervasive Computing, the study highlights how repurposed phones can tackle real-world challenges while promoting environmental sustainability.