SNCF Gares & Connexions has partnered with French start-up Immersive Robotics to create B.A.R.Y.L, a prototype mobile waste-disposal robot specially developed for use in stations. The goal? To offer customers a fun, innovative and intuitive way of doing their bit to keep stations clean and tidy.

Functionalities:

B.A.R.Y.L offers customers an immediate benefit: by anticipating their needs, the robot makes their life easier - rather than them looking for a bin, the bin comes to them.
The “bin-bot” moves randomly across a defined area within the station. Its artificial intelligence allows it to gradually learn to spot customers with rubbish to throw away and home in on them. B.A.R.Y.L has an obstacle detector, and emits beeps and flashes in certain situations.
The robot is fitted with a gauge to measure how full it is. Once full, the bin-bot returns to base, where a member of station maintenance staff empties it. A future iteration of the robot may even send a text message to say it is full.

One-week trial at Paris Gare de Lyon before hitting France’s regions

The robot was trialled in real-life conditions at Paris Gare de Lyon from 5 - 10 December 2016. In 2017, it will depart for a “tour” of stations in the rest of France.

Collaboration between SNCF Gares & Connexions and French start-up Immersive Robotics sees prototype robot developed in only 5 months

SNCF’s Digital Directorate carried out an innovation benchmark, contacted Immersive Robotics via the SNCF start-ups network, and worked alongside them to develop the robot and its functionalities.

Putting cleanliness next to godliness for station customers

Improving cleanliness helps make stations centres of urban life, places people want to linger, shop, or use the other services on offer. With 10 million people passing through our stations every day, SNCF Gares & Connexions offers industrial cleaning solutions on a scale to match. It is why we are always innovating.

(Source: SNCF)