At roboLoop, our mission goes beyond improving the recycling of electronics—we’re redefining what’s possible for the industry. As one of the first companies in the nation dedicated exclusively to automated flat panel display (FPD) demanufacturing, roboLoop is bringing robotics, AI, and advanced material recovery solutions to a sector that has struggled for years with growing volumes, rising labor challenges, and increasingly complex devices.
Flat-screen TVs and monitors have become one of the fastest-growing—and most problematic—types of e-waste to manage. They’re time-consuming to dismantle by hand, costly for recyclers to process, and difficult to recover materials from using traditional methods.
roboLoop was created to change that.
Born from the operational expertise of eLoop LLC and the world-class robotics research of Carnegie Mellon University, roboLoop exists to automate, accelerate, and modernize how flat panel displays are recycled—right here in Pennsylvania.
From Industry Challenge to Robotics Innovation
roboLoop was founded with a clear purpose: solve one of the recycling industry’s toughest problems through automation. Co-founded by eLoop CEO Ned Eldridge, CMU Robotics Institute senior systems scientist Matt Travers, and Automap CEO Scott Thayer, roboLoop blends deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge robotics engineering.
The spark began when eLoop reimagined its State College processing facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. With labor shortages and rising volumes, it became clear that manual disassembly alone could not deliver the speed or efficiency the industry needed. Robotics wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity.
Through a close partnership with CMU’s Robotics Institute, roboLoop transformed that necessity into a working system. What began as an innovative concept has evolved into a full-scale robotics-powered demanufacturing operation.
Faster, Smarter, Cleaner Disassembly
Manual disassembly of a flat-screen TV takes roughly 15 minutes with hand tools. roboLoop’s AI-driven robotic system cuts that time to under 5 minutes—with a roadmap to reach just 2 minutes per unit.
Here’s how it works:
- AI recognition: Machine learning models—based on research originally developed with Apple—identify device brands and predict screw locations, even when they vary by manufacturer.
- Robotic screw removal: A modified pneumatic nail gun system “punches” screws rapidly and safely, detaching back housings in seconds.
- Efficient component harvesting: Circuit boards, aluminum, and other recoverable components are removed cleanly, creating higher-value material streams.
This technology isn’t theoretical. It’s operating today inside roboLoop’s State College PA facility—an operation built on eLoop’s infrastructure, experience, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Scaling Technology for Regional and National Impact
roboLoop is scaling quickly to meet demand. Current processing volumes are rising from 200,000 pounds per month toward 500,000 pounds, with a long-term target of 4.2 million pounds annually by the end of 2025.
And while robotics boosts efficiency, it also creates better jobs. Instead of performing repetitive manual teardown work, team members now support robotics operations in roles such as:
- Robot monitoring
- Quality assurance
- Material flow management
- System development and improvement
A new rotating shift structure supports up to 12 hours of continuous robot uptime while ensuring a safe, sustainable work environment. Automation at roboLoop isn’t about replacing people—it’s about elevating them.
Maximizing Material Value and Reducing Waste
Traditional shredding has long been the fallback in electronics recycling, but shredding makes downstream sorting harder and lowers commodity value. roboLoop takes a different approach.
Our robotic system, backed by eLoop’s operational excellence, produces clean, separated material streams that improve:
- Commodity quality
- Market value
- Recovery rates
- Environmental outcomes
We’re also advancing solutions for one of the industry’s biggest problems: e-plastics. With support from regional engineering partners, roboLoop is developing plastics-identification technology to classify polymers during disassembly. This will open new pathways for clean, sortable plastics and expand local circular-economy opportunities.
Built for Pennsylvania. Designed for the World.
Strategically located in State College, roboLoop sits within 300 miles of over 20% of the U.S. population. With strong regional extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws and decades of eLoop’s recycling leadership supporting our operations, roboLoop is positioned to collect and process millions of pounds of flat panels each year.
Pennsylvania is already a leader in electronics recycling. roboLoop is helping to make it a leader in robotics-powered recycling —and we’re just getting started.
What’s Next for roboLoop
The future of recycling will be automated—and roboLoop is building that future now. Over the coming phases, we will continue to expand:
- Robot speed and precision
- AI object-recognition capabilities
- Material-sorting systems
- Licensing opportunities
- Facility replication models
Through it all, eLoop remains our operational backbone, ensuring that innovation always aligns with real-world recycling needs and compliance standards.
We’re not simply adapting to the future of e-waste—we’re engineering it.
Let’s Talk About Your Flat Panel Recycling Strategy
If your organization is exploring efficient, scalable, and environmentally responsible ways to manage flat panel displays, roboLoop is ready to help.
Our team is available to discuss robotics-powered solutions, OEM partnerships, EPR opportunities, and large-volume processing agreements.
Let’s build a smarter recycling future—together.
