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.

A waste management system includes a waste management device, a monitoring unit, and a communication unit. The waste management device includes a collection unit, a classification unit, a segregation unit, a plurality of sensors, a power unit, and a plurality of waste bins. The collection unit collects one or more waste articles. The classification unit utilizes a machine-learning model and identifies a waste category of the one or more waste articles. The segregation unit transports the one or more waste articles to a particular waste bin corresponding to the identified waste category. The power unit supplies power to the waste management device. The monitoring unit monitors the waste management device and controls a resultant action. The communication unit communicates one or more data between a control station and the waste management device using a plurality of IoT devices.

A waste management system includes a waste management device, a monitoring unit, and a communication unit. The waste management device includes a collection unit, a classification unit, a segregation unit, a plurality of sensors, a power unit, and a plurality of waste bins. The collection unit collects one or more waste articles. The classification unit utilizes a machine-learning model and identifies a waste category of the one or more waste articles. The segregation unit transports the one or more waste articles to a particular waste bin corresponding to the identified waste category. The power unit supplies power to the waste management device. The monitoring unit monitors the waste management device and controls a resultant action. The communication unit communicates one or more data between a control station and the waste management device using a plurality of IoT devices.

A chute system for a building including: an inlet, through which an item is received; a chute, coupled to the inlet, and an outlet, coupled to the chute. The outlet includes a sealing surface, configured to form a seal with an opening of a receptacle into which the item is to be received. The sealing surface is configured to enable a seal to be formed with different receptacles having different sized or shaped openings.

The disclosure provides a method of automatically determining a filling level of a plastic bag fastened via an open end to a vertical post forming a support, the method comprising a step of detecting that the bag has reached a predetermined filling level by means of a first distance sensor positioned on the post, a step of measuring the distance of the bag relative to the post by means of a second distance sensor positioned on the post, step of detecting the presence of the bag fastened via an open end to the post by means of a third distance sensor positioned on the post, and a step of detecting a filling level on the basis of the measurements taken by the distance sensors. The disclosure also provides a unit for performing such a method.

A waste management system and associated method are used to control routing of an autonomous waste receptacle in a facility. The autonomous waste receptacle includes a cavity for storing trash, a trash level sensor for sensing a level of trash stored therein, and a motor operative to move the waste receptacle. Position trackers sense positions of the autonomous waste receptacle and of patrons in the facility. Additionally, concession consumption concession consumption data indicative of sales performed by concessions in the facility are stored. A processing subsystem controls the waste receptacle to move autonomously in the facility along a route determined according to correlations between concession consumption data, trash levels monitored by the waste receptacle, and patron positions.

Provided is a robotic refuse container, including a chassis; a set of wheels coupled to the chassis; a refuse container coupled to the chassis for collecting refuse; a rechargeable battery; a plurality of sensors; a processor; and a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium storing instructions that when executed by the processor effectuates operations including: detecting, with at least one sensor disposed on the robotic refuse container, an amount of refuse within the refuse container; instructing, with the processor, the robotic refuse container to navigate to a location to empty the refuse upon detecting the amount of refuse exceeds a predetermined refuse amount in the refuse container; and emptying, by a separate device, the refuse within the refuse container at the location.

An embodiment method for controlling a physical object to be shared by several potential users and in an enclosure in an open state or in a closed state includes detecting a presence or an absence of the object in the enclosure in the closed state via a first wireless link between the object and a reader situated in the enclosure, the first wireless link being contained in the enclosure in the closed state. The method also includes transmitting a first information item representative of the presence or of the absence of the object in the enclosure to a computer server via a second link and an internet network, the computer server being accessible via a website configured to be managed by an administrator.

The disclosure describes waste receptacles for processing waste comprising a waste portal configured to accept waste deposited by an end user, a waste analysis unit positioned proximate to the waste portal, a waste conveyor connected to the waste portal, a paddle or robotic member positioned over the waste conveyor and configured to push the waste off the waste conveyor and into a grinder or into a waste commodity container.

An aircraft lavatory trash compactor includes a water source, a valve actuator connected to the water source, a trash can disposed below the valve actuator, and a controller configured to activate the valve actuator to spray water into the trash can. A processor can receive a signal indicating a level of trash in a trash can. The processor can determine the level of trash in the trash can in response to receiving the signal. The processor can determine that the level of trash is above a threshold. The processor can activate a water valve in response to the determination that the level of trash is above the threshold.