Autonomous Waste Box Navigation for Unobtrusive Waste Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waste collection systems require users to call and wait for a waste collection vehicle, which is inconvenient and disruptive, especially in tourist sites or theme parks.
Innovation Solution
A movable waste box system equipped with autonomous movement capabilities, using path information to navigate and collect waste, reducing the need for users to summon a collection vehicle and minimizing disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a waste collection vehicle is dispatched to collect waste, then waste collection is achieved, but users must wait and be disrupted by the collection process
Solution Approach 1:
The waste box is transformed from a static facility into a dynamic autonomous mobile robot that can independently navigate to users and collect waste. The movement control unit enables the waste box to dynamically adjust its position and approach users based on real-time needs, eliminating the need for users to wait at fixed collection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous mobile waste box performs waste collection without requiring user initiation or waiting. It autonomously navigates to users, detects waste through imaging devices, and collects it automatically. The system also includes automatic return to base and battery recharging capabilities, making the entire collection process self-service oriented.
2Productivity
If a waste collection vehicle is dispatched, then waste is collected, but the process is disruptive and noticeable to surrounding people
Solution Approach 1:
The waste box dynamically adapts its behavior based on user presence and environmental conditions. It uses imaging devices and sensors to detect users and waste, then smoothly navigates to collect waste without causing disruption. The dynamic movement allows it to approach users unobtrusively and complete collection before moving on.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical waste collection vehicle with an autonomous mobile robot equipped with imaging devices, sensors, and intelligent control. This substitution enables non-contact waste detection and collection, reducing mechanical disruption and improving user experience through automated, minimally intrusive operation.
3Ease of operation
If users call a waste collection vehicle, then waste collection is initiated, but the process requires user effort and waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous waste box proactively approaches users before they need to dispose of waste. By continuously monitoring the environment with imaging devices and sensors, it detects users carrying waste and automatically navigates to them, eliminating the need for users to initiate the collection process or wait for vehicle arrival.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs waste collection automatically without requiring user actions such as calling or waiting. The autonomous mobile robot independently detects waste, navigates to users, collects waste, and returns to base for recharging, making the entire process self-service oriented and eliminating user time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A waste collection system includes a movable waste box to automatically travel by using a sensor group including cameras, a sonar, a millimeter wave radar, and a LiDAR, and a supervision apparatus to manage the movable waste box. The movable waste box autonomously moves by following path information indicating a path. The movable waste box includes a waste box to accept waste a person who is present partway on a path has. The supervision apparatus includes a path information generating unit to generate the path information and to transmit the path information to the movable waste box.