This Self-Driving Garbage Can Will Take Out The Trash For You

In this era when we have put “smart” in front of many devices, so there’s no reason we can't put it in front of a trash can. You heard it right, a smart garbage can, or as the inventor calls it, SmartCan. The invention is meant to help you avoid forgetting to take out your trash by driving themselves automatically to the curb, saving you from the chore.

Andrew Murray is behind this new device, which is now under development at his company Rezzi. The SmartCan is among the few home-focused robots that have actually practical values for your daily life.

The device works through a companion app, following a pre-programmed schedule and driving itself to a drop off point so that the garbage truck can pick up the trash. Then, it will automatically return to where it drove from and stay there until the next time to throw trash as in the schedule.

This smart trash can seems to navigate using a pair of docking stations, which can sometimes be a problem if the neighborhood is not ideal. And if the SmartCan needs recharging, it won’t be a huge inconvenience provided that the docks can function the same way as robovacs.

However, there may be other logistical roadblocks, which include the possible need for a human to remember to open the door so that the SmartCan can get outside and do its job. And what if the trash can falls on its side and cannot get back in the house itself?

Besides, it remains unclear how much the machine will cost. Conventional plastic garbage cans easily crack, break, and have a horrible smell, but are cheap to replace. If SmartCan has a high price, you should consider taking good care of it. All in all, it looks like the smart can may give us more work than a regular one.