German start-up Repartly is leveraging ABB’s GoFa collaborative robots (cobots) to streamline the repair and refurbishment of electronic circuit boards found in household appliances. These advanced robots handle crucial tasks, including sorting, visual inspection, and precise soldering, allowing the company to enhance efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards.

To uphold its commitment to same-day repair services, Repartly sought a solution that would enable fast, consistent, and high-quality electronic repairs while also scaling its operations to accommodate a growing demand.

The integration of GoFa cobots has been instrumental in boosting productivity within Repartly’s sustainable business model. By automating labor-intensive tasks—such as inspecting electronic components, sorting defective parts, and performing precision soldering—the three collaborative robots help the company manage increased repair volumes efficiently. This level of automation supports Repartly’s circular economy approach, ensuring that electronic appliances are repaired and returned to customers swiftly.

Based in Guetersloh, Germany, Repartly specializes in refurbishing printed circuit boards (PCBs) from defective household appliances. “Our journey began with washing machine electronics,” explained Lennart Osthoff, CEO and founder of Repartly. Over time, the company expanded its offerings to include refurbished electronics and mechanical components for various well-known brands, covering appliances such as dryers, dishwashers, ovens, induction cooktops, microwaves, refrigerators, and premium food processors. Repartly’s mission is to reduce electronic waste and promote a circular economy, shifting consumer behavior away from a disposable mindset. “The longer a device remains in use, the lower its environmental impact,” noted Osthoff. “Repairing electronics not only saves costs but also preserves valuable resources and significantly reduces carbon emissions.”

For customers, Repartly provides a hassle-free repair process. After an initial consultation with the company’s experts in Guetersloh, the cause of the appliance failure is identified. If the electronics are faulty, Repartly assists with send-in repair services or connects customers with local technicians. “Once we receive the faulty component, our team repairs it on the same day and returns it fully functional, charging a pre-agreed fixed price,” said Osthoff. In cases where repairs are not feasible, customers are promptly notified via email and offered a refurbished replacement part as an alternative.

By integrating automation with sustainable refurbishment practices, Repartly continues to advance its vision of a waste-conscious, repair-first economy, where electronics are given a second life instead of being discarded.