How can autonomous driving technology improve waste collection? Image source: Shutterstock (#546271222)
Volvo Trucks and Renova, a Swedish waste management firm, Renova are currently testing and researching the impact of automated vehicles on providing a safer, more efficient refuse handling and a better working environment for drivers. The refuse trucks generally rely on a GPS and LiDAR based systems for mapping, positioning and scanning of area near the vehicle. Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic & Product Safety Director,Volvo Trucks said,” Driving a heavy commercial vehicle in an urban residential area with narrow streets and vulnerable road users naturally imposes major demands on safety, even when the vehicle’s speed doesn’t exceed a normal walking pace. The refuse truck we are now testing continuously monitors its surroundings and immediately stops if an obstacle suddenly appears on the road. At the same time, the automated system creates better prerequisites for the driver to keep a watchful eye on everything that happens near the truck.”
The truck will work on a learn-as-it goes principle. When the refuse truck first enters a new area, it is driven manually where the on-board system constantly monitors and maps the route using sensors and GPS. When the truck enters the next time, it knows which route to follow and at which bins it has to stop. ” By reversing the truck, the driver can constantly remain close to the compactor unit instead of having to repeatedly walk between the rear and the cab every time the truck is on the move. And since the driver doesn’t have to climb in and out of the cab at every start and stop, there’s less risk of work related injuries such as strain on the knees and other joints, ” Hans Zachrisson, Strategic Development Manager at Renova said.
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