Could drone-guided robots replace refuse collectors?

A new prototype rubbish lorry built by Volvo uses drone technology to locate bins and send a robot to pick them up, all without driver having to leave the cab

Volvo's latest research prototype uses a small robot to pick up and empty bins into a rubbish truck, guided by an overhead drone and without the need for humans - but Britain's binmen should not fear for their jobs just yet.

The Robot-based Autonomous Refuse (Roar) handling system is the product of Volvo's collaboration with Sweden's Chalmers University of Technology and Milardalen University, Penn State University in the US, and recycling company Renova.