How’s it h… I mean how’re doing? Fill your mug then fill that chair and I’ll tell you about garbage-pickin’ robots.
A group of Italian researchers are testing a way to replace the garbage truck with a cute robot that can collect trash on demand. The robot called DustCart has been zipping through the streets of the city of Peccioli in the Tuscany region of Italy.
DustCart is part of a $3.9 million research program called DustBot that aims to use robotics to improve urban hygiene. DustCart can not only collect trash but also gather data with on-board sensors that can monitor atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide. The DustBot project started in 2006 is expected to end later this year.
The DustCart robot collects trash from citizen’s doors. In a demonstration by the scientists, a quick call summoned the DustCart to the door, where it asked for the personal ID number that identifies the user and tracks the garbage. The robot also asked to classify the trash as organic, recyclable or waste. It then opened its belly bin, collected the trash and zoomed out. The robot can avoid fixed obstacles since it has pre-loaded maps about its environment and sensors that can help avoid collision with other objects.
So far, DustCart is still in the prototype stage. The robot does not have the kind of rapid response time that will make it truly effective on crowded streets, say the researchers.
The DustBot has a pear-shaped body and zips around on two wheels. Remind you of anyone? Don’t say it! Wonder if it’s got snow tires, eh?
Bob
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