Autonomous rubbish trucks could soon be putting binmen out of a job.

Volvo has made a robot truck that makes picking up rubbish safer, swifter and more efficient but it also cuts the manpower needed for the job.

Sensors on the truck guide it around cluttered areas as the vehicle follows a pre-determined route from one bin to the next.

The truck is currently in a testing phase in northern Sweden. Tests will continue through to the end of the year.

A “start” and “stop” button on the back allow workers to control when the truck moves to the next bin. It reverses itself up to bins, allowing the “driver” to walk alongside and collect rubbish without having to constantly jump in and out of the vehicle.

“One important benefit of the new technology is a reduction in the risk of occupational injuries, such as wear in knee joints — otherwise a common ailment among staff working with refuse collection,” said Lars Stenqvist, the chief technology officer for the Volvo Group.

The automation also means that a second team member is not needed to stay in the truck while the bins are collected. And the truck offers several environmental benefits. Gearchanging*, steering and speed are constantly optimized* for low fuel consumption* and emissions*.

(SD-Agencies)