Author: Jeremy Losaw

Smart device for garbage cans helps in building grocery lists   Until recently, hearing a voice from a trash can was a serious cause for concern—unless it was Oscar the Grouch on “Sesame Street.” Now it’s a smarter way to add to your grocery list. Connecticut inventor Rob Griffin sees the garbage can as a valued part of the home ecosystem that can help families be more efficient. His new product, GeniCan, is a smart device for garbage cans that helps build your weekly grocery list by tracking the products you have used as you dispose of them. The device mounts to household garbage or recycling bins, and has a bar code reader with wireless connectivity. The user scans the barcode of the item before throwing it out, and GeniCan automatically populates an app-based shopping list. If an item (like fruit) does not have a barcode, here’s where the GeniCan “talks” to you: It asks the user which item it can add to the shopping list. When the user answers, GeniCan uses its voice recognition feature to do just that. The product can be mounted inside of most waste bins, as well as in a neutral area such as the refrigerator or pantry. It retails for $149. A need is identified Like so many other inventions, the GeniCan was the result of a need brought on by firsthand experience....