The Center for Intelligent Robotics Research at the College of Computer and Information Sciences has been granted a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office for a self-operating waste collection robot.

The Center for Intelligent Robotics Research at the College of Computer and Information Sciences has been granted a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office for an autonomous waste collection robot. The robot is designed to automatically collect, sort, transport, and dispose of waste in both indoor and outdoor environments. It combines advanced robotic technologies with autonomous systems to improve waste management efficiency while minimizing human effort and environmental impact.

The system consists of a mobile robotic platform equipped with either a biaxial robotic arm with a shovel and collection fingers, or a smart three-axis suction hose mechanism for waste collection. Using integrated cameras and AI-based object detection technology, the robot identifies and sorts waste into recyclable or non-recyclable categories, then places it into the appropriate compartment of a two-compartment waste container.