Here's a smart trash can that will gladly take whatever you throw at it.
I mean that literally. This design for Japanese engineer Minoru Kurata will actually move around the room to catch the trash you throw at it. If you're not an NBA superstar and tend to miss the wastebasket like I do, then this is an awesome invention. The smart trash can is accomplished by connecting an Xbox Kinect sensor to the wall. The Kinect reads the user's motions, sends the data to a PC which wirelessly transfers the data to the smart trash can. The wastebasket then predicts where the trash bin should be located to catch the flying garbage.
The smart trash can is still a work in progress, as seen by some rather funny failures in the video, but the concept is really cool. The future of trash cans in upon us, folks.
What's Driving This Trend
- Smart Trash Cans
- Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating autonomous trash cans that can move around to catch trash thrown at them.
- Gesture Recognition Sensors
- Opportunity for disruptive innovation in utilizing gesture recognition sensors, such as Xbox Kinect, to enhance the functionality of everyday objects.
- Internet of Things in Waste Management
- Opportunity for disruptive innovation in integrating smart devices, like trash cans, into the Internet of Things ecosystem for improved waste management.
Who This Affects Most
- Waste Management
- Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the waste management industry by incorporating autonomous trash cans that offer improved waste collection efficiency.
- Gaming Technology
- Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the gaming technology industry by exploring new applications for gesture recognition sensors like Xbox Kinect.
- Smart Home Technology
- Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the smart home technology industry by introducing smart trash cans that can autonomously move and interact with users.
