Touchless Trash Can

Context: To promote hygiene and make trash cleanup fun, build a Touchless Trash Can that opens automatically when someone brings garbage near it. This is similar to high-tech trash bins in smart cities.

Task: Use an ultrasonic distance sensor (to sense an approaching hand) and a servo motor (to act as the lid). Mount the servo as the trash can’s lid. Program the ultrasonic sensor to constantly check distance in front of the bin. When a hand (or object) comes within, say, 10 cm, the servo should turn to lift the lid open. After a short delay (a couple of seconds), the servo closes the lid again.

Expected Output: A working automatic trash can lid. In practice, moving your hand toward the sensor triggers the “lid” to swing open quickly, allowing you to toss trash without touching anything. After you pull your hand back, the lid shuts on its own. This mission addresses community cleanliness and shows how robots can reduce germ spread and add convenience.