Volvo has started testing a prototype proletterτος με το όνομα ROAR (RObot based Autonomous Refuse handling) που αφορά την αυτόματη collection garbage.
The ROAR system is designed to automatically pick up trash cans found on the streets of a city. In other words, it is about the automation of the work performed so far by two people carrying trash cans from the sidewalks to the dumpster and emptying them into it.
The program provides for the use of all available aids, such as the use of robots, the mapping of a neighborhood that includes the possible location of trash cans, GPS, LiDAR, accelerometers and a drone that takes off from the roof of the garbage truck and acts as a pair "Eyes in the sky".
Η Volvo collaborated with three universities – Chalmers University of Technology, Mälardalen University and Penn State University – to design and build the ROAR prototype in just four months.
In a statement, Per-Lage Götvall, director of the robot development program at the Volvo Group, said: “We envision a future with more automation. The project aims to stimulate our imagination, to try new ideas that can form solutions for the transport of the future ".
At first glance, one would say that this program eliminates two jobs, but on the other hand, it creates some others that are required to build and maintain these robots, and whether we like it or not, automation and robotics technology it won't be long before it becomes part of our daily lives.
See below a related test video to imagine collecting garbage from the streets in a few years:
