The Robot DustCart

Abstract

Peccioli, a small medieval town in Italy, became one of the first places in the world where a robot was used (not demonstrated) to carry out a public service in the urban environment (from 15 June 2010 to 7 August 2010). Thirty-five real users accepted to trash their domestic waste using the robot DustCart, a mobile robot designed to collect, transport, and discharge rubbish bags in complete autonomy. During the testing period, the robot safely traveled along the public streets of Peccioli, carrying out its daily service and sharing the urban environment with the passers-by, bicycles, and cars, without causing any problems.