# Garbage-Collecting Robots The ROAR Project is Engineered to Collect Garbage Efficiently By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-02-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collect-garbage References: [damngeeky](http://www.damngeeky.com/2016/02/25/39780/students-develop-autonomous-garbage-collecting-robot-assisted-by-a-drone.html) & [news.psu.edu](http://news.psu.edu/story/371279/2015/09/22/research/penn-state-researchers-help-develop-robot-based-refuse-collection) A project created in partnership between three universities ([Chalmers University of Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/TD3-Powered-Charger), Mälardalen University and [Penn State University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mechanical-memory-materials)), the Volvo Group and waste recycling brand Renova, the ROAR Project has engineered a robot that can collect garbage. The impressive robot of the ROAR Project -- which stands for Robot-based [Autonomous Refuse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-coding) handling -- is designed to scan neighborhoods for garbage cans and collect accordingly. The robot uses a drone to scan the surroundings to map a route to and from garbage cans; if unexpected obstacles are detected, the robot can either avoid or stop. The technology could make garbage collection in the future more efficient and less human-driven to help enable infrastructure to operate in a smoother manner. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Garbage-collecting Robots:** Robots designed to collect garbage using drone technology and autonomous route-mapping may disrupt the waste management industry with more efficient and less human-driven waste collection. - **Autonomous Waste Management:** The use of autonomous technology in waste management could revolutionize the entire industry, offering increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved safety while minimizing the need for human intervention. - **Drone-assisted Waste Collection:** As drone technology continues to develop, drone-assisted waste collection could become a major trend in the waste management industry, streamlining operations and increasing efficiency while reducing costs and environmental impacts. ### Where This Applies - **Waste Management:** The use of robot-based autonomous refuse handling technology like the ROAR Project could disrupt the waste management industry, making garbage collection more efficient, safe and cost-effective. - **Robotics:** The development of garbage-collecting robots and autonomous waste management technology presents growth opportunities for robotics companies and could lead to more widespread adoption of similar technologies in industries beyond waste management. - **Transportation:** The use of autonomous technology in waste collection could disrupt the transportation industry, reducing the need for human-operated garbage trucks and opening up new opportunities for innovation in transportation technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Automated Ocean-Cleaning Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellyfishbot.md) - [Interactive Autonomous Cityscape Sweepers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-unmanned-sweeper-concept.md) - [Arm-Equipped Robotic Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roborock-saros-z70.md) - [Greenhouse-Roving Agricultural Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greenhouseroving-agricultural-robot.md) - [Prototype Robotic Laundry Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electrolux-laundry-robot.md) - [Intelligent Navigation Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roborock-q-revo.md) - [Open-Source Housekeeping Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/housekeeping-robot.md) - [Debris-Compacting Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roomba-205-dustcompactor-combo-robot.md) - [Automated Robotic Leaf Blowers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yarbo-blower-b1.md)