ROAR Refuse Collecting Robot Is Up And Running

It looks like Volvo is not just interested in having keyless vehicles and integrating Spotify into its rides, but they are also jumping right into other areas of technology – such as the ROAR refuse collecting robot that you can see in action in the video above. This is definitely an impressive display of innovative technology, where it provides a glimpse into the future which would make humans redundant in such a job (although the tables have been turned in at least one Mercedes-Benz plant in Germany).

Volvo’s Robot-based Autonomous Refuse handling (ROAR) project will rely on a system of drones that will locate the various refuse bins in an area, where robots will then move to the pinpointed areas in order to collect those refuse bins and empty them.

This particular project has seen Volvo collaborate with Chalmers University of Technology, Mälardalen University and Penn State University, which happens to fall under its Academic Partner Program. Waste management firm Renova will also have a role to play, where the machines are supposed to showcase their ability to communicate with one another, bringing about a positive change in the future where automation is concerned. At least things are more hygienic in this manner in the long run. [Press Release]

Edwin Kee
Categories: Green, Robots
Tags: volvo