Researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) are gearing up to deploy a four-legged electric robot named VERI to clean cigarette butts from a beach in Genoa. Developed by the Dynamic Legged Systems unit at IIT Genoa, this innovative platform features a vacuum system attached to its feet specifically designed for this cleaning task.
Robot dog picks up trash on the beach with its vacuum-sealed feet
Developed in the laboratories at IIT, the robot, named VERO (Vacuum Cleaner Equipped Robot), features a vacuum attached to its back that extends through hoses along its legs to each foot. Using this setup, the robot can strategically interact with objects on the ground.
Initially, an operator defines the cleaning area for VERO, after which the robot operates autonomously. It plans an efficient path to cover the entire designated area, employing built-in cameras and a neural network to detect and collect cigarette butts.
To enhance its capabilities, VERO utilizes an additional Intel RealSense depth camera mounted on its chassis. Tests conducted in diverse environments have demonstrated an impressive success rate of approximately 90% in collecting cigarette butts.
This innovative approach marks a significant advancement, as it integrates the robot’s legs for both mobility and functional tasks concurrently—a departure from other robots that temporarily repurpose their limbs for specific actions like door opening.
Researchers are exploring numerous potential applications for VERO, including weed spraying in agricultural fields, infrastructure crack inspections, and precise placement of nails and rivets during construction projects.
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