: In a bid to popularise the Swachh Bharat mission, the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), Kancheepuram, has developed a smart outdoor mobile robotic trash bin to motivate students engaged in cleanliness campaigns.
Developed by IIITDM’s Teaching Learning Centre (TLC), an initiative funded by the Ministry of Human Resources Development, and students of the Designers Club, the robot can be operated by children with a smart phone or video game controller.
It has an inbuilt micro computer and a GPS system to assess air pollution levels at any given place.
Explaining the indigenously built technology, S.R. Pandian, Dean (Planning) and Coordinator, TLC, said the objective was to introduce robotics to children through day-to-day activities. The mobile robotic trash bin is fitted with a high-definition camera, microphone and speakers for interacting with students under computer control.
“The robot has air quality monitoring sensors to inform public about pollution levels. On the occasion of the Independence Day, we demonstrated the model in Vandalur Zoo to create awareness on environmental literacy. It can be operated with a wireless device and when children approach, the robot will address them. For instance, if people drop waste in the can, the robot will thank them,” Mr. Pandian said.
With the help of colour sensors, the robot can identify a specified colour and navigate towards it. “This project has cost us Rs. 10,000. If educational institutions are interested, we can develop these models for them. The interactive robotic language and other user-friendly features will motivate children to use the trash can,” he said.
The model would be presented at the Global Humanitarian Technology Conference in the U.S. in October. IIITDM encourages experimental learning and facilitates student innovations through its Designers Club. Last year, the institution celebrated Independence Day and Republic Day by innovative public display of aerial robots and app-controlled mobile robots, Mr. Pandian added.
