Volvo's ROAR robots will take out the trash for you

What It Is

Robot-based Autonomous Refuse Handling (ROAR) is only a concept for now but Volvo seems serious about the idea. According to concept drawings, a trash truck could be equipped with several Wall-E styled two-wheeled robots who will roll up to your house, collect your trash can, and empty it into the truck, which will still be manned and driven by a human.

The Implications

Trash collection is a dirty, smelly job, which is perfect for automation. The project does seem like it's in very early stages, but Volvo insists that its concept could be tested in the "very near future." If you've ever been annoyed that you have to take your trash out to the curb yourself, then you should be rooting for Volvo's new project to work.