Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling electrically-powered trash receptacles and monitoring fullness levels. The system can include a storage enclosure and a bin contained inside the storage enclosure, the bin configured to receive and store items deposited in the storage enclosure, wherein an inside portion of the bin is at least partially covered by a bag placed inside the bin to hold the items deposited in the storage enclosure. The system can also include a sensor configured to sense a content fullness state of the bin and a processor configured to control operations performed by the sensor. In addition, the system can include a sleeve configured to be installed over an inside portion of the bin and the bag, the sleeve at least partially restricting a movement of the bag.

A tool is disclosed for use in managing waste services. The tool may have an interface configured to receive input from a user indicative of an on-demand service request. The tool may also have a communication device, and a controller in electronic communication with the interface and the communication device. The controller may be configured to transmit a waste management command to a remote service provider via the communication device based on the input.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.

Methods and systems for autonomously interacting with persons in a public environment to store and transport their personal material items are described herein. A service robot includes one or more secure storage cells, and is configured to collect items such as personal belongings, refuse, etc., from users and transport the collected items to different locations. The service robot maneuvers through a crowded environment autonomously, avoiding collisions with people and objects, and minimizing disturbances to traffic flow. Users indicate a desire to store and transport items to a desired location. In response, the service robot unlocks a lid of a storage cell, and the user is able to load material items. In some examples, access to the storage cell is controlled based on access codes. In some examples, access to the storage cell is controlled based on receipt of an electronic payment.

A hand cleaning fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid onto a user's hand includes a time of flight sensor to determine a distance of a hand of a user below an outlet of the dispenser from which the dispenser when activated dispenses the fluid and a controller to activate the dispenser to dispense the fluid from the outlet when the hand is sensed to be within a predetermined range of distances below the outlet.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for controlling electrically-powered trash compactors and receptacles. The system first receives data associated with a storage receptacle configured to communicate with the system via a network, wherein the data is received from a server storing information transmitted by the storage receptacle, the storage receptacle having an energy storage for powering operational functions performed by the storage receptacle. The system then identifies a parameter of the storage receptacle associated with an operational function of the storage receptacle, and transmits a signal to the storage receptacle for modifying the parameter based on the data associated with the storage receptacle to yield a modified operation of the storage receptacle.

Disclosed are a module apparatus for garbage collection and an operation method for the module apparatus. A module apparatus for garbage collection, according to the present invention, comprises: a case which is provided so as to be attached to a garbage receptacle and has a first hole on the lower end; an integrated circuit module which is accommodated inside the case; a battery for supplying power to the integrated circuit module; and a sensor unit which is electrically connected to the integrated circuit module and is for sensing the volume of garbage accumulated inside the garbage receptacle, wherein the first hole is aligned with a second hole formed on the garbage receptacle and the detection unit detects the volume of the garbage through the first and second holes.

Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.

A receptacle is disclosed for containing waste. The waste receptacle may have a container with at least one opening, and a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of rubbish being deposited through the at least one opening. The waste receptacle may also have a public-use device operatively connected to the container, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the public-use device. The controller may be configured to selectively provide access to the public-use device based on the signal.

A security bin and a security bin controller are described that measure fullness or height of secure contents in a security bin; listen to radio beacons over a short-range radio to determine a bin distance from a first radio, such as by measuring received radio power; determine one of three bin security states: home, caution or warning; and then broadcast a status message, warning message or alarm message over long-range radio, dependent on both the fullness of the bin and the security state. Embodiments include shredder bins, adapted to receive secure or confidential documents. Status messages may be used to initiate a search for a lost bin or to schedule bin service. Embodiments include measuring rate-of-fill. Alarm messages may be responsive to both bin location and fill volume. Embodiments and use of a controller include waste bins, including industrial or medical waste.