Revolutionizing Vehicle Recycling: New AI-Driven Platform Promotes Sustainability and Eliminates ‘Ghost Cars’
A new digital platform is set to revolutionize vehicle recycling and promote sustainability by using data and artificial intelligence (AI). The platform, co-funded by Sitra, aims to address the challenges of car recycling and tackle the issue of ghost cars that are removed from use outside of official channels. The implementation of this platform aligns with the European Green Deal’s goal of achieving a climate-friendly and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050.
The proposed regulation on vehicle manufacturing and recycling, published by the European Commission in July and supported by Sitra, aims to make more efficient use of materials, incorporate smart technology and data in the recycling process, and reform legislation and policies related to recycling.
For consumers, the platform will provide a user-friendly digital pathway for recycling old cars. By using a single service, consumers will be able to locate the nearest recycling point and arrange for their car to be picked up. Simultaneously, the platform will enable recycling operators to monitor the recycling process in real-time, making it easier to manage and report on the process. Additionally, the platform will establish an internal marketplace for the industry to sell recycled car parts efficiently.
One of the significant problems the platform aims to address is the existence of ghost cars. These vehicles are taken off the road unofficially but remain registered in Traficom’s Transport Register. Ghost cars often end up abandoned in fields, sold illegally abroad, or on the grey market for scrapping. The lack of oversight over the recycling conditions, safety, and environmental impact of these ghost cars has serious financial costs to society and causes environmental damage.
The project has made considerable progress, with the first versions of the necessary programming and user interfaces already developed. The platform will feature an AI-based scrap car modeling tool, and data permits for using official data are also progressing smoothly. Production phase testing is set to commence late this year, and the platform is scheduled to be operational in early 2024.
The technical implementation of the platform is carried out in collaboration with recycling operators such as Eurajoen Romu Ltd, Kajaanin Romu Ltd, Kuusakoski Ltd, and Stena Recycling Ltd. Finnish Car Recycling, which boasts a network of nearly 300 take-back points, will also be utilizing the platform. Due to the existence of systems used by these recycling operators, the transition to the new platform will be seamless, requiring no proprietary technological interfaces.
The ultimate purpose of the platform is to harness the data collected during the recycling process. This will provide consumers with a streamlined digital channel for recycling old cars while enabling stakeholders to process and share the data effectively.
The project is pioneering within the European Union and globally. By utilizing AI and data to address practical problems related to end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), Finland can act as a trendsetter, inspiring other EU countries to tackle similar challenges. The regulation on vehicle manufacturing and recycling aims to harmonize recycling practices across different countries, emphasizing the importance of data utilization. The introduction of the new service platform marks a significant step towards achieving more sustainable car recycling.
The regulation is expected to eliminate the problem of ghost cars by placing a stronger emphasis on proper procedures for scrapping cars through official systems. This may involve abolishing or modifying temporary registration to ensure non-compliance with requirements results in heftier penalties. Implementing digitalization in all processes involving scrap cars would also prove beneficial, as it would expose shortcomings and eradicate unofficial and grey market operations.
Efficient cooperation between countries will be essential for the seamless exchange and analysis of data. Cross-border data exchange systems need to be established in order to monitor and prevent the illegal movement of goods, including scrap cars.
In conclusion, the development of the new digital platform for vehicle recycling, driven by AI and data, is a significant step towards promoting sustainability and eliminating the issue of ghost cars. The platform will provide a streamlined experience for consumers while enabling recycling operators to monitor the process more effectively. With Finland’s pioneering efforts, the EU can harmonize recycling practices and achieve a more sustainable approach to car recycling.
