There is nothing new about the fact that higher concentrations (up to 50 times) of valuable materials can be found in e-waste, compared to mined ores. Moreover, the constant accumulation of excessive amounts of waste equipment has a negative impact on the environment. The components found in electronic equipment may contain hazardous materials or materials that could be recycled and reintroduced into production processes, thus reducing the carbon footprint created by waste electrical and electronics equipment (WEEE). Sustainable e-waste recycling requires high-value, integrated recovery systems. By implementing a two-stage experimental sorting stand, this paper proposes an efficient and fast sorting method that can be industrially scaled up to reduce the time, energy and costs needed to sort electronic waste (e-waste). The sorting equipment is in fact an ensemble of sensors consisting of cameras, color sensors, proximity sensors, metal detectors and a hyperspectral camera. The first stage of the system sorts the components based on the materials’ spectral signature by using hyperspectral image (HSI) processing and, with the help of a robotic arm, removes the marked components from the conveyor belt. The second stage of the sorting stand uses a contour vision camera to detect specific shapes of the components to be sorted with the help of pneumatic actuators. The experimental sorting stand is able to distinguish up to five types of components with an efficiency of 89%.

RFID (radio frequency identification) tags play a crucial role in a wide range of applications, from wireless communications to personal tracking and smart city infrastructure. These tags come in various shapes and sizes, prompting the authors to review the specialized literature and focus on optimizing planar designs with different geometries. This study prioritizes reducing the size of the most commonly used tags while enhancing their reliability. The primary objective of this article is to understand and improve the performance of planar RFID tags operating at 13.56 MHz through numerical simulations based on structures generated by algorithms developed in MATLAB. Building on previous research, the methodology is validated, followed by a detailed description of the algorithm designed and implemented by the authors in MATLAB to identify all possible structures that meet the design criteria. The authors compared various analyzed structures, considering different inductor shapes, dielectric materials, and thicknesses while examining their effects on gain and resonant frequency. The study also provides thermal analysis of the structures, and experimental validation of the studied designs. Finally, the researchers conclude with recommendations on the optimal structure for RFID tags.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems operating in the 860–960 MHz frequency range are widely used in applications such as supply chain management, retail, access control, healthcare, and transportation. This study presents the design, modeling, and fabrication of two antennas for this frequency range, followed by a comparative analysis to identify the antenna with superior gain. Key parameters, including corner fillets and chamfering, as well as antenna length, were varied to evaluate their impact on gain and S-parameters for the initial antenna considered the best from the two structures analyzed, aiming to optimize performance while minimizing size and keeping the frequency unchanged. Additionally, the antennas’ interaction with the human body was assessed through numerical modeling by evaluating the electric and magnetic fields and calculating the specific absorption rate for a human leg and hand in order to analyze the impact of these types of antennas on the human body. The dimensions of the initial structure were minimized while the antenna operated in the same frequency range, leading to a small decrease in the gain. It was discovered that when analyzing the values of the parameters of interest regarding the interaction with a human body, the RFID will not exceed them when considering the human hand, but it will harm a human foot when not placed at a specific distance from it.

The paper describes the benefits resulted from an interuniversity - industry cooperation, through a research and innovation project, TRADE-IT - Innovative Technologies for Advanced Materials Recovery from IT and Telecommunication waste. The project had as a main objective the design, modelling and implementation of a complex system used for the complete recovery of the components and materials extracted from IT and Telecommunication Waste. Partners involved in the project are four Romanian universities and two National Research Centers. Twelve PhD Students were elaborating their PhD thesis on the topic of the project and they were all employed in the partner institutions. Projects results were disseminated during the project period and after its end to students at all levels from partner univesities during courses and practical classes.

The paper explores the underutilized potential of geothermal energy in Romania, focusing on both shallow and deep geothermal systems as sustainable alternatives for heating applications. Romania’s unique geological features, particularly the Pannonian Depression, offer significant geothermal resources, yet these remain largely untapped in many regions. This study presents an analysis of the country’s geothermal reservoirs, highlighting their spatial distribution, thermophysical properties, and technical potential. In-depth data on aquifer characteristics, including temperatures, depths, and capacities, supports a comprehensive assessment of the energy output achievable from these natural systems. Current applications of geothermal resources are reviewed, including successful projects in Oradea and Timiș County, which demonstrate the viability of geothermal systems for residential and commercial heating. Furthermore, this study discusses Romania’s regulatory landscape and incentive frameworks aligned with European Union standards, identifying key barriers and opportunities for growth. With a robust foundation of technical and spatial data, this paper underscores the strategic role geothermal energy can play in Romania’s transition to a low-carbon economy, supporting both environmental sustainability and energy resilience. The results demonstrate how geomatics-based resource mapping and spatial analysis support evidence-based planning of geothermal energy systems at regional and national scales.