A Chinese DIY studio, tired of its messy workspace, decided to take smart cleaning to a whole new level. They went ahead and built 20 AI-powered trash bins that can detect, chase, and catch flying garbage, all while giving you lip if you miss. The team gave the trash bins cameras, embedded AI models to recognize thrown objects, and motors for movement.
When a piece of trash flies through the air, the bin identifies it and races to intercept it like an anti-ballistic missile. But that’s not the end of it. Some bins are built to mop floors, some play rock-paper-scissors, and others taunt you if you miss a shot. There is this bin called a “Punishment Bin” that comes bearing arms. Controlled remotely, it fires soft darts at litterbugs.
To automate the emptying process, the team designed a larger robot bin with a heat-sealing mechanism. Smaller bins line up to transfer the trash to it by using a floor-guided LED system and onboard cameras. They are recharged at a rotating charging hub automatically using magnetic contact points. The project blends robotics, automation, and a good portion of creativity to showcase how embedded AI and engineering can solve even the most mundane problems, sometimes even with a dash of entertainment.
