The Volvo Group is working on a project to develop a robot that interacts with the refuse truck and its driver to do the work.
The project, called Roar (Robot-based Autonomous Refuse handling), is a joint venture to with Chalmers University of Technology and Mälardalen University in Sweden, Penn State University in the United States and waste recycling company Renova
It aims to introduce a robot that, with instructions from a truck's operating system, can collect refuse bins, brings them to a refuse truck and empties them. All of this will occur under the supervision of the refuse truck's driver, who avoids manhandling bins.
The purpose of ROAR is to demonstrate how, in the very near future, we will use smart machines to assist with a broad range of activities in society.
'We foresee a future with more automation,' said Per-Lage Götvall, project leader for the Volvo Group.
'This project provides a way to stretch the imagination and test new concepts to shape transport solutions for tomorrow.'
Roar will run until June 2016, when the technology will be tested on a vehicle developed by Renova.
