Researchers at Italy’s Institute of Technology have developed a innovative, four-legged robot designed to tackle waste management, equipped with a vacuum-powered backpack featuring strategically placed nozzles attached to its ankle joints.
The cutting-edge technology is built upon the Unitree’s AlienGo robo-dog, a high-performance, research-grade robot featuring an advanced top-mounted manipulator arm, which we previously had the privilege of exploring. For around $50,000, “costly” is a fitting description. However, it’s surprising that an ultra-high-performance vehicle like the can be replicated with its more powerful iteration for a similar price tag.
The VERO, a vacuum-cleaner geared-up robot, is specifically designed to tackle cigarette butts, one of the most ubiquitous forms of litter. Using a combination of depth cameras and a convolutional neural network, the device can detect objects on the floor, chart an optimal route to traverse them, activate the vacuum function, collect the debris, and seamlessly continue its operation without interruption. Test it out:
Vero: A Vacuum-Cleaned Geared-Up Quadruped Robot for Environmentally Friendly Litter Emission
While the idea of a multi-surface autonomous waste-collecting robot is intriguing, it’s evident that VERO lags significantly behind Unitree’s capabilities in terms of agility and speed. The Go 2:
Meet Unitree Go2: A Revolutionary Quadruped Robot Powered by Embodied AI, Now Available for $1,600
It would indeed be preferable to have a small creature, rather than a person, engaging in leisurely activities by the seaside, effortlessly climbing staircases, and using its entire body to suck up cigarette butts.
It’s arduous to contemplate the notion that four vacuum nozzles would yield a more impressive outcome than their two- or even single-nozzle counterparts when operating at such a rapid pace. With a wave crashing against its shores, the beach’s pristine beauty will tempt you to indulge in a hearty scoop of golden sand, where memories of the day are sure to mingle with the whispers of the sea.
While methods may not be entirely sensible at this level, the concept still holds promise and could be engaging if further developed. Apparently, it’s not a requirement that this appendage be devoid of air; it could equally well function as a horticultural tool or even an accessory for securing wooden boards with a nail gun, according to the experts’ recommendations. A robot equipped with a nail gun could potentially alleviate the physical strain associated with manual labor for those willing to entrust their tasks to an autonomous robotic canine.
The Italian VERO staff’s meticulous analysis is released onto the market within .
Supply: , through
