The Self-Powered Automated Refuse Cart (SPARC) is a rechargeable, motorized, load-bearing crawler that can mount a compatible garbage bin, capable of automatically delivering the garbage bin and its contents to a predetermined location for it to be collected with accordance to a defined schedule. The process is automated by using computer vision and a machine learning pathing algorithm to navigate around any obstacle it might encounter on its journey from the user’s garage to the curbside for pick up. A camera will be mounted on the device to give it the “sight” it needs for its obstacle avoidance capabilities. For charging the SPARC will have a “Home Base” which will wirelessly charge the SPARC when it returns from the curb. The SPARC will utilize GPS technology to know the locations of the curb and the home base for return. The central control unit of the SPARC will be its microcontroller which will house its movement controls which will take input from its path finding algorithm with takes data from its visual sensors. The movement functions can also take in input via Bluetooth from the user mobile application. Users will also be able to program their garbage collection schedule into the SPARC by using this companion smartphone app for the Android OS. Physically the SPARC will include waterproofing of its electrical components and will be able to withstand a garbage load up to 50 pounds and hold a charge capacity that will be enough to traverse an average driveway and make a return trip back to the home base for recharging and garbage reloading.
We would like to thank Selah Group and Sean for sponsoring our project.