That’s the new toy in the house from this weekend: a garbage can whose lid opens automatically (via infrared sensor). It was from Costco, but I can’t find it on their site to pull up a picture; and since I’m too lazy to go look at the brand on the actual thing itself, you’ll just have to use the awesome power of your imagination for now.

So far, the sensor has been tripped by standing too close to it; walking by it; intentionally (via Jedi hand-waving magic); and the dog. That dog one only happened once; he sniffed too close to it, it popped open, and he jumped and scrabbled away. That was pretty funny.

Now, what is that goofy phrase they always use on Slashdot and the like? …I for one welcome our new robotic garbage can overlords…

…because really, it’s just a matter of time at this point.