McNeilus CartSeeker™ Curbside Automation

For New Drivers:

Short training timelines with few controls to learn.
Clear, on-screen alignment guidance for easy positioning.
Increased confidence through predictable, automated arm movement.

For Haulers:

Fast onboarding and low training costs for new or transitioning operators.
Consistent route performance with few alignment corrections.
Low operator fatigue, supporting retention and long-term productivity.

For the Community:

Outstanding service reliability with accurate, consistent pickups.
Few missed or spilled carts thanks to precise, automated alignment.
Clean, dependable waste and recycling collection.

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What does CartSeeker technology do?

CartSeeker technology automates cart detection, alignment and pickup to simplify side-loader operation and promote route efficiency.

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Can CartSeeker autonomous technology help new drivers?

CartSeeker technology helps simplify alignment and consolidates multiple joystick movements into a single button press, to address training time and cognitive load.

Lower upfront and ongoing vehicle costs – no FET burden and fewer maintenance costs for the life of the truck.
Greater route flexibility – ideal for tight spaces, missed pick-ups and urban or gated environments.
Ease of training – excellent entry-level truck for new drivers.

These benefits make Class 6 trucks ideal for municipalities, small haulers or any organization looking to operate more efficiently.

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Does CartSeeker technology work in bad weather?

Yes. CartSeeker autonomous technology functions in rain, snow, cold and heat. If too much water or dust is on the face of the LiDAR sensor, it will present an error to be addressed by the operator. The operator can either manually take over or press the CartSeeker button again to resume the cycle.

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Can I still pick carts manually?

Yes! CartSeeker automated collection can be paused at any point by the operator. Manually moving the joystick puts the truck into manual collection mode. No need to switch modes.

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What happens if there’s an issue with the CartSeeker autonomous system?

CartSeeker technology uses advanced sensors for the CartSeeker autonomous collection. However, If an advanced sensor fails, the manual operation relies on the same proximity sensors used on a standard McNeilus Zero Radius side loader and can still function.

Two small screens on the inside of a garbage truck that help see the lineup to a garbage can.

Recognition & Alignment

Advanced AI recognition and autonomous alignment provide operator assurance and collection efficiency. This helps address training time and driver fatigue.

A garbage truck driver with a safety yellow vest on sitting in the driver's seat.

Accelerate Training

AI-enabled cart detection and monitoring makes training easy and with a short learning curve for new drivers.

An aerial view of a garbage truck arm dumping a garbage can into the truck.

Autonomous Pickup

CartSeeker’s autonomous technology identifies waste carts and automates alignment and the lift arm’s dump cycle to help promote operation efficiency. Manual controls can be initiated if needed.

A close up of a person operating a joy stick control inside of a garbage truck.

Promote Productivity

Minimize the number of times drivers exit their vehicle, which promotes operator comfort and safety.

CartSeeker autonomous technology is designed to make every stop efficient and consistent; especially for drivers who are new to side-loader operation. The collection cycle follows a consistent process.

AI-enabled Cart Recognition: As the vehicle approaches a cart, the in-cab CartSeeker technology display identifies it and marks it with a yellow dot.
Double Confirmation: Two green alignment lines show the driver exactly how to position the truck, and once aligned, the yellow dot turns green — providing a clear double visual confirmation.
Single Button Activation: When alignment is confirmed, the driver simply squeezes the operator presence switch and presses the CartSeeker technology button to begin the automated cycle.
Automated Lift Sequence: Once activated, the system extends the arm, grips the cart, dumps it, sets it back down, and returns to home position.

By combining AI-enabled recognition with intuitive visual guidance, the system removes the guesswork from cart alignment and streamlines the entire lift cycle.

Cartseeker Technology Equipment and Components

CartSeeker autonomous technology is built on a proven combination of advanced sensing technology and operator-friendly controls, engineered specifically for the McNeilus Zero Radius™ side loader. Its integrated system provides accuracy, consistency and ease of use, even for drivers with limited side-loader experience.

Key components include:

Camera-based Cart Recognition: Identifies carts in real time and displays their position on the in-cab screen.
LiDAR Distance Sensor: Measures the exact distance between the truck and the cart, enabling precise arm control and reliable automation.
Advanced Arm Sensors: Provides the exact position of the reach, lift and grab functions to allow for precise and accurate arm movement.
Operator Presence Control: Ensures the driver maintains control and can override automation at any time.

Durable and purpose-built, these components work together to provide a smooth, predictable collection experience that enhances both driver performance and fleet productivity.