Researchers at the University of Tartu have devised a clever solution to the mounting e-waste issue by giving outdated smartphones a second life as underwater data centres. By stripping out the original batteries and fitting them with external power supplies, these devices can now monitor marine environments at an impressively low cost of just €8 per unit.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated watching fully functional gadgets tossed aside in favour of the latest model, you’ll appreciate this approach. A prototype featuring four smartphones housed in 3D‐printed casings has already demonstrated its reliability—in one test, the setup operated underwater, recording and processing marine data much like a traditional data centre would.
With over 1.2 billion new phones manufactured every year, the environmental toll is significant, not to mention the energy-intensive nature of conventional data centres. This initiative doesn’t just tackle waste—it offers a modular, cost‑effective alternative for managing data processing demands, both underwater and potentially on busy city streets, such as at bus stops.
Associate Professors Huber Flores and Ulrich Norbisrath share a refreshing take on innovation. Flores reminds us that sometimes progress involves rethinking what we already have, while Norbisrath highlights that moving towards sustainability can be as simple as repurposing old devices. Their insights underscore a practical, forward‑thinking method to reduce both e-waste and energy consumption in our digital age.
As data processing needs continue to grow, smarter resource use will be key. This project shows how reimagining old technology can lead to sustainable, scalable solutions that make a real difference.
