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In the third world, the poor comb through garbage dumps seeking anything that might have value. Obviously, I'd like to see that end. There are many more produ

In the third world, the poor comb through garbage dumps seeking anything that might have value. Obviously, I'd like to see that end. There are many more productive things humans can do that are far less of a risk to their health. But imagine robots that are able to do it, either at the source or before the garbage is burned or buried or shipped off elsewhere. A lot of work still remains before that happens, but one day robots will be carefully examining each item discarded and sending it to the most appropriate place.

nawitus 13y ago
'Robots' do sort garbage, but it doesn't work as well as humans, and it's probably suited only to certain types of garbage.
briandear 13y ago
Of course, when those poor people can afford robots to scavenge in the trash, they won't need to scavenge in the trash. As far as more productive things, when you don't have anything to eat and nothing of value, there's nothing more productive than trying to find something of value. Also, scavenging trash dumps is probably the least of their health concerns. Let's solve clean water before we start worrying about trash sorting in Somalia.