TECHNOLOGY

In the city of Peccioli in the Tuscany region of Italy a robot called DustCart has been zipping through the streets. This is part of a $3.9 million research program called DustBot that aims on collecting trash on demand.

The robots are equipped with an engine that is powered by a lithium-battery which permits them to run silently. The robots are also equipped with special sensors that can monitor air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, ozone, benzene, sulfur oxides, CO₂, CO and air temperature.

DustCart is still in the prototype stage and does not have the kind of rapid response time that would make them effective on crowded streets. One day however these robots may become tourist guides or even help the elderly.