(CIANEWS) - ABB has refurbished 3,878 robots in its Ostrava centre over the past 16 years. The company offers customers the purchase of worn-out or malfunctioning robots. In most cases, 60 to 80% can be reused, with the remainder sent for recycling. ABB robots deployed in the automotive industry can be used a second time after refurbishment, and a fifth of them a third time. Demand for refurbished robots increased by more than a quarter in 2022. This was due to extended lead times as a result of supply chain disruptions caused in large part by the pandemic. The company expects demand to continue to grow as manufacturers look for more sustainable solutions.