An ATM that encourages recycling was shown alongside the newest geek gear of 2012 at the Las Vegas International Consumer Electronics Show last week. Although not a new product like most of what is showcased at the annual trade show, the innovation behind the machine made it a worthy addition.
As demonstrated at the show, the ecoATM offers what selling on eBay or using mail-in electronic recycling programs do, but with instant gratification. Simply locate one of these eCycling kiosks, drop in your used mobile phone or mp3 player, and wait a moment to see how much the machine will pay you for your device. If you agree with the price, simply take your cash and go. Your old device is then collected to be refurbished and resold or melted down and recycled.
As simple as it may sound, cutting edge technology goes into a process like this when humans are absent to check out the device’s condition or to insure thieves are not trading in their latest loot.
First, consumers must place their electronic product into the inspection station. From here, the ecoATM uses its machine vision and artificial intelligence to identify the device and its condition. From there, the device must be plugged into the machine so that it can check that everything is working properly.
A quote of the product’s fair market value, based upon the prices that other companies are paying for the same device, is offered. If the consumer agrees to the price, a driver’s license must be scanned as a measure to prevent theft or fraud. A choice of donating the money to charity or getting cash on the spot is then offered.
Although selling some more high end phones and mp3 players on eBay or other means may provide better returns, the ecoATM has a place for those who need a quicker method to dispose of their old electronics. Currently, there are only a few of these machines in California, but the company has plans to expand with 500 new machines in 2012.
