A system for detecting and engaging a refuse can includes at least one sensor coupled to a refuse collection vehicle and configured to detect objects on one or more sides of the refuse vehicle, an actuator assembly coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and configured to actuate to engage the refuse can, and a controller configured to receive first data from the at least one sensor, input the first data to a single-stage object detector, identify, based on an output of the single-stage object detector, the refuse can, and initiate a control action to move the actuator assembly and the refuse collection vehicle to engage the refuse can.

A system for detecting and engaging a refuse can includes at least one sensor coupled to a refuse collection vehicle and configured to detect objects on one or more sides of the refuse vehicle, an actuator assembly coupled to the refuse collection vehicle and configured to actuate to engage the refuse can, and a controller configured to receive first data from the at least one sensor, input the first data to a single-stage object detector, identify, based on an output of the single-stage object detector, the refuse can, and initiate a control action to move the actuator assembly and the refuse collection vehicle to engage the refuse can.

Systems and methods for collecting and loading refuse include a refuse loading system configured to couple to a refuse collection vehicle and to load refuse into the refuse collection vehicle and a control system. The refuse loading system includes a container-holding mechanism operable to hold a refuse container, and a positioning system operable to position the container-holding mechanism relative to the refuse collection vehicle. The control system includes a proportional control device, at least one processor, and memory communicably coupled to the at least one processor. The memory stores instructions which, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform operations including receiving, from an operator, via the proportional control device, an input to control movement of one or components of the refuse loading system, and, responsive to receiving the input, operating the container-holding mechanism and the positioning system to perform a portion of a refuse loading cycle.

Systems and methods for collecting and loading refuse include a refuse loading system configured to couple to a refuse collection vehicle and to load refuse into the refuse collection vehicle and a control system. The refuse loading system includes a container-holding mechanism operable to hold a refuse container, and a positioning system operable to position the container-holding mechanism relative to the refuse collection vehicle. The control system includes a proportional control device, at least one processor, and memory communicably coupled to the at least one processor. The memory stores instructions which, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform operations including receiving, from an operator, via the proportional control device, an input to control movement of one or components of the refuse loading system, and, responsive to receiving the input, operating the container-holding mechanism and the positioning system to perform a portion of a refuse loading cycle.

A lift assembly for a refuse vehicle includes a track coupled to a chassis of the refuse vehicle. The lift assembly further includes a grabber assembly, a drive, and a drive mount. The grabber assembly is movably coupled to the track. The drive is configured to drive the grabber assembly to move along the track. The drive mount couples the drive to the track at a fixed position along the track such that the grabber assembly moves relative to the drive.

A lift assembly for a refuse vehicle includes a track coupled to a chassis of the refuse vehicle. The lift assembly further includes a grabber assembly, a drive, and a drive mount. The grabber assembly is movably coupled to the track. The drive is configured to drive the grabber assembly to move along the track. The drive mount couples the drive to the track at a fixed position along the track such that the grabber assembly moves relative to the drive.

A mechanical arm designed to provide automated garbage collection with smooth, constant movement (i.e. movement that has minimal jerk/shock) thereby resulting in limited shock stress on the components and leading to high durability. The mechanical arm including a horizontal displacement system having a plurality of sections rollingly engaged to one another and a motor mounted to an immobile section for drivingly extending section in a generally horizontal orientation, a vertical displacement system having a plurality of masts rollingly engaged to one another and a motor mounted to a first mast for drivingly extending a second mast in a generally vertical orientation, and/or a grabber system having a plurality of fingers mounted to a frame and operated by a single motor.

A mechanical arm designed to provide automated garbage collection with smooth, constant movement (i.e. movement that has minimal jerk/shock) thereby resulting in limited shock stress on the components and leading to high durability. The mechanical arm including a horizontal displacement system having a plurality of sections rollingly engaged to one another and a motor mounted to an immobile section for drivingly extending section in a generally horizontal orientation, a vertical displacement system having a plurality of masts rollingly engaged to one another and a motor mounted to a first mast for drivingly extending a second mast in a generally vertical orientation, and/or a grabber system having a plurality of fingers mounted to a frame and operated by a single motor.

A refuse vehicle includes a lift apparatus configured to collect refuse, one or more sensors, and one or more processing circuits. The lift apparatus includes a first movable body, a first actuator configured to move the first movable body, a second movable body, and a second actuator configured to move the second movable body. The one or more sensors are configured to generate sensor data associated with a first displacement of the first movable body and a second displacement of the second movable body. The one or more processing circuits are configured to operate the first actuator and the second actuator with a first speed, acquire the sensor data, and responsive to a difference between the first displacement of the first movable body and the second displacement of the second movable body being greater than a difference threshold, operate the first actuator or the second actuator with a second speed.

A refuse vehicle includes a lift apparatus configured to collect refuse, one or more sensors, and one or more processing circuits. The lift apparatus includes a first movable body, a first actuator configured to move the first movable body, a second movable body, and a second actuator configured to move the second movable body. The one or more sensors are configured to generate sensor data associated with a first displacement of the first movable body and a second displacement of the second movable body. The one or more processing circuits are configured to operate the first actuator and the second actuator with a first speed, acquire the sensor data, and responsive to a difference between the first displacement of the first movable body and the second displacement of the second movable body being greater than a difference threshold, operate the first actuator or the second actuator with a second speed.