The Simplehuman is a “touchless” garbage can which has built-in sensors that detect the presence of someone nearby, causing the can to obligingly open its lid. What makes this piece of intelligent design even more special is the claim that the can’s “multi-sense” technology can adapt to what the user is doing.
The stainless steel can starts off in Ready mode, with its sensor’s trigger zone focused directly above the lid. This is aimed at limiting incidences of it being triggered by people simply walking past, while still working well when users reach in with garbage. Once the initial reach-in has caused the lid to open, the can goes into Task mode to better detect user activity – this reportedly keeps it from closing before the user has finished dumping garbage into it.
When one has a lengthier task at hand, such as changing the bag, the can goes into Stay-Open mode. This mode is initiated by at least three seconds of continuous user activity, after which point the lid will stay open for 30 seconds regardless of what’s going on around it.
Should users wish to manually override the motorized lid, a clutch mechanism allows them to do so without wrecking the motor. The sensor can also incorporates carbon filters for absorbing any unpleasant odors. The Simplehuman runs on six C-cell batteries, which could last for up to an year of use.
Via: Gizmag
