To address littering, researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology have designed a robotic dog named VERO (Vacuum-cleaner Equipped Robot) that can pick up discarded cigarette butts with its feet.
The robot was built to combine mobility and functionality and provide a unique solution to an enduring environmental issue.
VERO features a vacuum cleaner “backpack” and four hoses attached to each leg.
Utilising a vision system, VERO detects cigarette butts and positions its foot next to them to suck them up.
This design eliminates the need for separate effectors, such as arms, making the robot’s operation more efficient, according to its developers.
As a legged robot, VERO can navigate various real-world environments, including stairs, meaning it can pick up cigarette butts in diverse locations.
By integrating locomotion and pickup functions, VERO does not need to stop to collect litter, also enhancing its efficiency.
The design is based on the Mini Cheetah, a popular off-the-shelf robotic platform, showcasing how mainstream robotics technology can be adapted for industrial or other applications.
What’s more, VERO underscores the potential of machines to perform specific applications to address societal issues.
The researchers also believe that robots like VERO represent a promising step toward leveraging technology for environmental conservation.
