Pets

Automated dog toilet presents packaged poop

Automated dog toilet presents packaged poop
The designers of Inubox are presently seeking production funds on Kickstarter
The designers of Inubox are presently seeking production funds on Kickstarter
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The designers of Inubox are presently seeking production funds on Kickstarter
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The designers of Inubox are presently seeking production funds on Kickstarter
Inubox sits folded up when not needed
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Inubox sits folded up when not needed

Although it's certainly best if dogs are trained to relieve themselves outdoors, there can be situations – such as if they're left home alone all day – in which they've just gotta go inside. Created by Austin, Texas-based Newton's Box, Inubox is designed to let them do so without any mess.

Inubox has a hinged platform, that sits flat on the floor by default. Dogs need to be trained to poop or pee on this platform – a process which is reportedly facilitated by an integrated attractive scent. Sensors in the platform detect when the dog is standing on it, along with the presence of solid or liquid waste.

Once those sensors determine that the dog has come and gone, and left something behind, the platform automatically folds up into the main device. This causes the waste to roll off into a litter box at the bottom. A robotic scraper also goes over the platform, to get anything that didn't come off on its own. The litter-coated waste is then lifted out of the box by a robotic scoop, which drops that waste into a bag. That bag gets sealed, and is dispensed on command, once the user is ready to take it away.

Inubox sits folded up when not needed
Inubox sits folded up when not needed

The device also sprays out a shot of air freshener with every use, plus it dispenses a treat to let pups know that they're good dogs for using it. It's activated (or put on a programmed schedule) using either its built-in touchscreen or an iOS/Android smartphone app. That app also allows users to monitor the levels of treats, bags and litter.

If you're interested, Inubox is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$840 will get you one, when and if it reaches production – the planned retail price is $1,200.

But what if you own a cat? If that's the case, you might want to check out the successfully-Kickstarted self-flushing Catolet.

Sources: Kickstarter, Inubox

5 comments
5 comments
guzmanchinky
Seems like an attractive option for RV owners like myself. Might have to look into this.
PAV
guzmanchinky, for you or your pet?
ljaques
$1,200? No sh*t?
Millions of people homeless and starving in the world (40M US/12M kids) and pet owners spend $72 BILLION on pets each year in the US alone. https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/understand-food-insecurity/ What happened to PRIORITIES, people?
P.S: Good one, PAV. ;)
Nik
If the sensors malfunction, do you end up with a neatly packaged pooch?
Dug McPherson
@ljaques - what if that was your old wealthy grandmothers dog that between it being a little old and unwell just like dear old granny, what would you do put them both down, here in the U.K. we are a nation of animal lovers and frankly NO cost so long as I could afford to pay it would stop me for my two constant and faithful companions, who cost very little in general but give back, way way way more than they could ever cost, at the end of the day the homeless etc are NOT of my or your making but I tell you what seeing as you feel so strongly about it go donate heavily to a homeless charity and I will donate heavily to my companions should it ever be required, lastly it’s my or anyone who wishes to purchases any items choice, they will doubtless have worked for their money and are entitled to spend it on what they wish and P.s it’s successive govs in both our countries that have either caused the homeless issues or year on year cut funding to it or other support services which keeps the figures high