The system uses drones to locate refuse bins and robots to collect and empty them.

For the project, Volvo has collaborated with Chalmers University of Technology, Mälardalen University and Penn State University, all of which are part of its Academic Partner Program. Waste management firm Renova is also involved. The aim is to show how machines can communicate with each other and how, in the future, they will be able "to facilitate everyday life in a large number of areas."

"We predict a future with more automation," says project manager for robot development at the Volvo Group Per-Lage Götvall in a press release. "This project is intended to stimulate our imagination, to test new concepts that may shape transport solutions of the future."