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Sociable Garbabge Can Robot
The sociable garbage can robot is prototype device intended to explore how robots can help people with garbage.

(Sociable garbage can robot)
The sociable garbage can maneuver around looking for garbage; its internal sensors can detect when trash has atually been placed inside.

(Sociable garbage can robot details)
Infrared distance sensors are also employed, along with cameras, to help people with their garbage.
You may be reminded of WALL-E, the robot from the upcoming Pixar film of the same name.

(WALL-E trash robot from Pixar's WALL-E)
I thought about the local trash can from Bruce Sterling's 1988 novel Islands in the Net.
She looked up the beach for the local trash can.
She spotted it loitering near a pair of fisherman, who stood in hip boots in the gentle surf. She called out. "Trash can!"
The can pivoted on broad rubber treads and rolled toward her voice. It snuffled across the beach, mapping its way with bursts of infrasound….
(Read more about the high tech trash can)
See the HD preview of WALL-E; via Robot Watch.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 3/11/2008)
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