NOTE: Here’s an article that is not about any of the "normal" topics of this newsletter: genealogy, history, current affairs, DNA, and related topics. However, I found it interesting and decided to share it here.

Researchers at the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science (in Estonia) introduce a novel approach to reducing electronic waste and advancing sustainable data processing: turning old smartphones into tiny data centers. 

Global production of smartphones exceeds 1.2 billion units every year. Electronic device manufacturing requires significant energy input while also depleting important natural resources. The production and delivery operations of devices generate substantial CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere. Users today replace their working smartphones every two to three years because technology devices age at unprecedented speeds. Electronic devices either get recycled when they become obsolete or they end up being thrown away in landfills.

The perfect solution involves teaching consumers to reconsider their need to replace functioning devices with every new model yet implementing this behavioral change proves challenging. Technological advances lead to faster obsolescence of older electronic devices. To address these issues we must explore new solutions which can prolong the use of devices by assigning them a completely new function.

The University of Tartu's Institute of Computer Science researchers Huber Flores, Ulrich Norbisrath, and Zhigang Yin worked with Perseverance Ngoy from the Institute of Technology alongside international collaborators to test this method. Researchers at the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science published their work in IEEE Pervasive Computing.

According to Flores, Associate Professor of Pervasive Computing, innovation typically starts with a fresh perspective on existing things through which we redefine their future impact.

The team showed that outdated smartphones can be transformed into mini data centers which efficiently manage both data processing and storage tasks. The team discovered that constructing these miniature data centers costs only about 8 euros per unit.

The applications for these miniature data centers cover a broad spectrum. Old smartphones can transform bus stops into data collection points for passenger numbers which helps improve public transportation systems.

The research team commenced their project by extracting batteries from phones and connecting them to external power supplies to prevent environmental chemical spillage. Four old phones were transformed into a functioning prototype for repeated use by connecting them together and fitting them with 3D-printed casings and holders to promote sustainable electronics recycling.

The prototype successfully completed underwater tests where it contributed to marine life monitoring through species counting. Scuba divers usually have to ascend to the surface to analyze video data they collect during such missions.The prototype automated the entire procedure underwater without human intervention.

The research team confirmed that old tech products do not need to become discarded waste. By repurposing devices with few resources we can create sustainable digital solutions that reduce environmental impact.

According to Norbisrath, Associate Professor of Software Engineering sustainability requires us to reimagine our current practices so that devices from the past transform into opportunities for the future.

Researchers showed how outdated smartphones could be transformed into compact data centers that accomplish efficient data processing and storage.They discovered that constructing these data centers costs about 8 euros per device which makes the process remarkably inexpensive.

Tiny data centers can be used for many different purposes. These systems can function in city bus stops to monitor passenger numbers for public transportation optimization.

During the initial phase of the project researchers detached the phones' batteries and installed external power sources to protect the environment from chemical leaks. Researchers connected four phones together with 3D-printed casings and holders to create a reusable prototype that helped promote sustainable practices for outdated electronics.

During underwater testing the prototype demonstrated its ability to monitor marine life by counting various sea species. The process of gathering underwater video data demands scuba divers to return to the surface with their footage before analysis can occur. The prototype allowed the entire process to execute automatically underwater.

The results demonstrate that old technology need not become obsolete rubbish. These devices can be repurposed with minimal resources to work toward creating sustainable digital solutions that benefit the environment.

Sustainability requires us to rethink our current situation because yesterday's technology holds potential for tomorrow's opportunities according to Associate Professor Norbisrath.