FUSO, the Japan-based subsidiary of Daimler Trucks, has showcased the eCanter SensorCollect concept truck, a remote-controlled garbage collection vehicle that uses autonomous technology to read its surroundings.
Fitted with lidar, ultrasonic sensors and high-accuracy GPS, the truck – based on the all-electric eCanter – can safely perform remotely transmitted commands by detecting people or objects in its vicinity. These commands include following the operator, halting, avoiding obstacles, and stopping immediately if a person or object comes in close proximity with the vehicle. These functionalities are intended to boost the efficiency of garbage collection workers.
The vehicle proposes an application of the emissions-free light-duty truck to make essential garbage collection services more efficient and environmentally conscious. Operators walking alongside the vehicle can control the eCanter SensorCollect remotely, through a wireless HMI (human machine interface).
The FUSO eCanter SensorCollect is the outcome of significant development research, the company says. In addition to conventional product development processes, FUSO has been conducting a variety of initiatives inside and outside the company to encourage innovative product ideas that address social needs and challenges.
“Creating innovation is one of the major pillars of research and development at FUSO, as it decides long-term market leadership. We will continue to develop innovative products to address customer and societal needs with our advanced technologies,” said Aydogan Cakmaz, senior vice president and head of product engineering at FUSO.
The FUSO eCanter is an all-electric light-duty truck of which more than 160 vehicles are running in Japan, Europe and the USA. In Europe, the FUSO eCanter is already operated in 11 cities in Germany, the UK, France, Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands and Denmark.
