Eagle Vision Systems is bringing the waste collection industry forward by automating its processes
He wanted to further equip the mechanical arm with the ability to recognize objects and position from the truck, and also avoid any environmental obstacles. Leo contacted a former University colleague and was connected with two master’s students who had a focus on object recognition research.
Ten years ago, on a drizzly morning in the middle of winter, Leo Van Kampen, founder and President of Eagle Vision Systems, found himself stuck driving behind a garbage truck collecting the weekly trash. He watched as one employee drove the truck, while the other had to stand outside on the back of the truck and lift heavy bins of garbage in the rain and snow.
“I had been working on controlling truck mounted hydraulic systems for a long time,” said Leo. “And as I watched these workers collect garbage in atrocious weather conditions, I thought to myself this has to be made better.”
Almost a year later while on a trip to Australia, Leo came across a garbage truck with a robotic arm attached to the side that was being controlled by the driver inside the truck.
“I was extremely excited to see that a mechanical solution had been manufactured, but my next thought was how can I use my background in electrical engineering to automate the entire process now that the mechanical hardware was already developed,” said Leo.
He wanted to further equip the mechanical arm with the ability to recognize objects and position from the truck, and also avoid any environmental obstacles. Leo contacted a former University colleague and was connected with two master’s students who had a focus on object recognition research.
In 2017, Eagle Vision Systems enrolled in ‘AC:Incubate’ where they further developed the technology, and increased their focus on the business portion of the product. The team was expanded with a Business Development manager to focus on the marketing and sales portion of the product. The final product, CartSeeker™ curbside automation is a patented AI-based recognition technology that identifies and locates curbside waste carts. CartSeeker™ increases efficiency by helping automate the collection process.
During its expansion of its client base, Eagle Visions Systems was acquired by its biggest client, McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation. The Corporation intends to use the CartSeeker™ technology to improve autonomy, efficiency, and savings. Investing in refuse collection vehicle automation, supports its strategy to bring the waste industry forward.
Leo continues to work on advancements in curbside automation.
Eagle Vision Systems will be graduating from the AC on Thursday, April the 28th. Join us online or in person to celebrate the success of our newest alumni!