The project aims to build robots that will assist garbage truck operators by doing all the heavy lifting for them, picking up and emptying refuse bins autonomously (under the driver's supervision) and as quietly as possible.

According to Volvo, Penn State University will develop the graphics, communication systems and control panel for the truck driver; Chalmers University students will work on the operating system; Mälardalens University will design the robot; and waste disposal company Renova will take care of the vehicle itself.

The robots, which judging from the illustration will be somewhat reminiscent of humanoids on a Segway, will take instructions directly from the truck's operating system and, supervised by the truck driver, will collect refuse bins straight from the sidewalk, bring them to the truck and empty them while keeping decibel levels at a minimum.