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This Autonomous Snow Blower Shovels on its Own, Recharges Itself, and Keeps Going (www.carsandhorsepower.com)
submitted 6 months ago by to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] 5 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Radar & camera can be degraded by snow/ice buildup. A grate that lets wet snow in is also going to be big enough to let rocks and other debris in.

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  • [–] 7 points 6 months ago (1 child)

    A grate that lets wet snow in is also going to be big enough to let rocks and other debris in.

    But not kids and pets at leaat

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  • [–] 4 points 6 months ago (1 child)

    Arms and legs allowed in are still really bad. You can't run fast in snow, and you are more likely to trip.

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  • [–] 3 points 6 months ago (2 children)

    There's like a 1" gap in the grate and at least 3-4" from there to any moving parts. Yes, a toddler can stick their arms in there, but if that happens it will be predominantly due to horrible parenting.

    It obviously isn't 100% hazard free, it's a motorized power tool after all, but it does seem to have proper mitigations in place to reduce risk of injury to a reasonable level.

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  • [–] 2 points 6 months ago

    The camera is heated so that should not be the biggest problem. I don't think they have the software to make it work.

    I have not had obstacle detection work on the other modules aside from a person being nearby being detected. With that feature you will not see it working from close by, but it will destroy children's toys, drive over poop, destroy its own antennas by driving under tables, drive against tractors, ...

    It could be capable one day but not with this software (team).

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