Swedish startup Corvid Cleaning has developed an automated machine that uses wild crows to collect discarded cigarette butts from urban areas.
The system leverages the natural cognitive problem-solving abilities of corvids to address municipal litter management through a reward-based mechanics network.
The process operates via a custom-designed automated bin. When a crow places a cigarette butt into the collection slot, an integrated camera scanning system verifies the object before dispensing a peanut as food compensation.
The animals participate voluntarily and have figured out the mechanics of the machine independently without direct human training.
Data tracking logs integrated into the prototype machine indicate that the participating birds have successfully deposited 124 cigarette butts.
Localised trials are being conducted to assess the technology’s long-term feasibility, which the creators position as a cost-effective alternative to traditional manual street-sweeping operations for small-scale street waste.
