Old Smartphones Get a Second Life as Tiny Data Centers

donniegeront · Sunday at 01:04 AM

Researchers at the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science have introduced an innovative solution to electronic waste and sustainable computing: converting discarded smartphones into miniature data centers.

Globally, over 1.2 billion smartphones are manufactured each year. Their production demands significant energy and raw materials, while also generating substantial carbon emissions. Yet most phones are replaced every two to three years—often while still fully functional. Although some are recycled, many end up in landfills.

Ideally, reducing this waste would involve shifting consumer habits—questioning whether each new model is truly necessary. But with technology advancing rapidly, older devices quickly lose compatibility and relevance. This creates a need for creative alternatives that extend the useful life of electronics.

To address this, researchers Huber Flores, Ulrich Norbisrath, and Zhigang Yin from the University of Tartu, along with Perseverance Ngoy from the Institute of Technology and international collaborators, explored how aging smartphones could be repurposed for a completely new function. Their findings, published in IEEE Pervasive Computing, show that outdated phones can be turned into cost-effective micro data centers for just around 8 euros per device.

"Often, innovation means seeing the old in a new light and rethinking its role in tomorrow’s world," said Flores, Associate Professor of Pervasive Computing.

The team developed a working prototype by removing the phones' batteries—eliminating the risk of chemical leakage—and connecting four devices with 3D-printed casings and external power sources. These repurposed phones were then linked together to function as a low-cost data center.

The potential applications are diverse. In urban settings, for instance, these data centers could be installed at bus stops to monitor real-time passenger data, helping to optimize public transit systems. The prototype was also successfully tested underwater, where it participated in marine biodiversity research. Instead of requiring a diver to collect footage manually, the device identified and counted sea species autonomously.

The project demonstrates that with minimal investment and some ingenuity, aging electronics can be transformed into tools that support sustainable digital infrastructure. Rather than becoming waste, yesterday’s technology can find new relevance in environmentally conscious applications.

“Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the future,” said Norbisrath, Associate Professor of Software Engineering. “It’s about rethinking the present—and turning obsolete devices into tomorrow’s opportunities.”

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Old Smartphones Get a Second Life as Tiny Data Centers

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