WALLEE (Self-Driving Garbage Can)
Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Overview
The objective of the WALLEE is to bring a 96-gallon trash can from its storage location to the curb by following orders given by a remote control or a preprogrammed path. The trash can is placed inside WALLEE’s metal chassis, ratchet straps attach the front and back bars on the trash can to the chassis, and the two front wheels drive the device. The swivel wheels attached to the back of the chassis are spring loaded to absorb the shock of the garbage truck placing the trash can down with WALLEE attached.
Community Benefit: In most municipalities, trash is picked up twice a week, and for certain groups such as the elderly and those who are physically incapacitated, taking out the trash can be quite a difficult task. WALLEE will allow anyone to take care of their trash pickup, regardless of physical limitations.