Dive Brief:
- Tulsa, OK-based inventors Jim Howard and Lori Montag have created Bruno, the world's first consumer "smartcan" equipped with a vacuum inlet, which eliminates the need for a dustpan.
- USA TODAY dubbed the container the "freestanding equivalent of the VacPan," however Bruno is also a garbage bin with an automated lid, built-in charging and filtration area, and a storage pod for trash bags.
- The high-tech container is equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing users receive alerts to their smartphones regarding when new bags need to be bought, or when it's trash day.
Dive Insight:
Just as companies like Bigbelly and Enevo have introduced "smart" containers to a public and commercial setting, Bruno is bringing high-tech cans directly into the consumer's home. The innovative container may be a solution for more convenient garbage collection and disposal.
"Bruno knows when you're sweeping toward it," Howard told USA TODAY, explaining that the "very strong" vacuum will run as long as waste is being pushed toward it.
"Bruno and its patents pending technologies have been many months in the making," states the company's website. "The powerful vortex vacuum feature will deliver every dog hair, Cheerio and grain of dirt directly into the trash bag. Just place the broom in front of the vacuum inlet to start the powerful vortex suction and Bruno will do the rest."
The smartcan — which is available in five different colors — is currently available to pre-order for February delivery. Prices for the container range from $129 to $159.
