Japan trials robot bins to ease cleaners’ workload

Three robot bins are currently being tested at Tokyo's Shinjuku Station, a bustling transportation hub that accommodates over 2.7 million passengers daily. These automated bins, operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), aim to reduce the workload of sanitation workers by collecting and transporting rubbish to human workers.

Located in the JR East-operated section of Shinjuku Station, the bins stand just over one meter tall and travel at a leisurely pace of approximately 20 centimeters per second. Their slow movement allows passengers to approach and dispose of waste while ensuring the robots can swiftly stop if necessary. JR East research official Shinya Kawamichi explained that the trial focuses on testing the bins' safety and efficiency in an environment like Shinjuku Station, as well as their appeal to passengers.

Currently, the JR East section of the station has only seven sets of rubbish bins and recycling boxes, a reduction from previous years due to cleanliness and security concerns. While some Japanese commuters appreciate the convenience of the bins, others have welcomed them as a practical solution for waste disposal. The trial, set to continue until late November, will evaluate how well the robots operate among large crowds and their potential future applications.