Apple not only introduced the iPhone SE, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, iOS 9.3, and new Apple Watch straps at its March event, but also a recycling robot. The 29-arm machine disassembles old iPhone units so the materials in the smartphones can be used in other devices. Liam the bot uses several operations to collect metals from the old-school smartphones     

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Apple's machine recovers lithium and cobalt from the old phone batteries, and gold and copper from the iPhone camera. Liam also collects silver and platinum from the mobile device's main logic board, according to PetaPixel.  

The tech giant's robot can deconstruct an iPhone unit in 11 seconds, or 350 devices in one hour. That means it can take apart 1.2 million Apple smartphones per year.

Apple explains it built the recycling robot because the world has limited resources and some materials cannot be replaced.

The California-based company has been working on its new robot for three years. Apple claims that it is the first machine of its kind as it breaks down handsets instead of building them, according to Mashable.  

Apple handsets such as the iPhone 6s that are traded in at the company's retail stores have often suffered liquid damage such as after being dropped in water. After being shipped to United States distribution centers they are inspected. Devices with parts that can be saved are shipped to an Apple warehouse so Liam can remove precious metals from the old phones.  

The idea behind Liam is that Apple builds the iPhone so it is the best company to take it apart.

PetaPixel points out that the promo video for Liam includes an iPhone 6s-like device that lacks a camera bump on the unit's back. It could be a teaser for a future model including the iPhone 7.

In related news Hanson Robotics' new human-like robot head named Sophia was recently unveiled at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. Sophia's features include camera eyes, voice recognition software, and over 60 facial expressions.

The robot head was modeled after late actress Audrey Hepburn and Hanson Robotics CEO's wife. It was built for industries including education, healthcare, and customer service.