Autonomous tech may have its ups and downs, but there are real-world applications where it can really shine, making life easier for workers. A great example is the Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter Sensor Collect concept, a high-tech EV garbage truck that follows its driver between garbage collection points, and can also be operated remotely. The concept was put to the test in the city of Kawasaki in Japan. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation published a video montage of the demonstration runs held in November 2023, in collaboration with the local Ministry of the Environment. The garbage truck dealt with all kinds of use case scenarios while following its pedestrian driver and being aware of its surroundings.

The Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter Sensor Collect is equipped with Level 2 ADAS, which is common in most new production vehicles. While one would expect a higher level of autonomy, these systems are good enough for the low-speed operation of the garbage truck, which follows a predetermined collection route. The truck has multiple camera sensors in the front and rear that double as mirrors. When the driver leaves their seat and starts walking, the vehicle will lock them as a target and gently follow their lead. It also can make stops in the desired garbage collection points, or places pinpointed by the operator. This significantly reduces the workload, since the garbage worker doesn’t have to constantly get in and out of the vehicle.

During remote operation, the cameras detect obstacles and other road users. For example, when a pedestrian walks in front of the moving truck, the system will automatically hit the brakes, avoiding collision. Similarly, if another vehicle is parked along the route, the truck will practise a maneuver to avoid it, and keep following the driver. Another cool feature is a garbage information sharing system that detects the weight and volume of garbage loaded into the vehicle, and the number of pieces thrown in it. This info is shared with the central facilities online, helping improve efficiency.

The goal of the program by the Japan Environmental Sanitation Center (JESC), is to find ways of reducing the CO2 emissions of garbage collection operations, while increasing work efficiency. Mitsubishi Fuso will continue the demonstrations throughout 2024, contributing to the development of its next-generation EV trucks. Mitsubishi Fuso built the first eCanter Sensor Collect concept in 2020, with the pictured vehicle being an improved version. It is based on the production eCanter, featuring a lithium-ion battery and a gross vehicle weight of 6.4 tons.