Scientists in the General Robotics, Automation, Sensing and Perception (GRASP) Lab at the University of Pennsylvania have designed a robot that may revolutionize a spring yard clean up task that pet owners surely cannot relish. Scientist Ben Cohen narrates this 1:18 minute video that showcases the lab’s new robot, pet-named P.O.O.P. S.C.O.O.P. ( Perception Of Offensive Products and Sensitized Control of Object Pick-up,) in action. Using an onboard camera, the robot “sees” varying types of poop, scoops them up and lobs them into a bucket. But don’t throw away your poop scoop quite yet, the robot costs $400,000 to produce at this stage of development.
P.O.O.P. S.C.O.O.P. is part of what the GRASP lab calls their “trifecta of robots,” which includes robots that clean, wash dishes and do the laundry, conceivably working to eliminate hours of chores and procrastinating nationwide. We bring her/him to your attention this month as part of Scoop Poop month, when we at the HRWC work to raise awareness about the importance of disposing of pet waste properly. Help keep our waterways clean. Scoop it, Bag it and Pitch it in the Trash every time….or program your robot to do it for you.