Opossum Cleaning Robot by Suzhou University of Technology |
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| DESIGN DETAILS | |||||
| DESIGN NAME: Opossum PRIMARY FUNCTION: Cleaning Robot INSPIRATION: My design is inspired by an opossum I came across during a night trip. Opossums are nocturnal, unlike humans. So I thought about whether street sprinklers and cleaning vehicles could work at night, just like opossums, to avoid the daytime crowds. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This design is a robot designed for street cleaning. It has a unique retractable suction head, similar to a mantis arm, enabling it to clean under cars without moving them. Unlike traditional robots used for street cleaning, it's charged via solar energy during the day and works at night, reducing noise and environmental pollution. This robot reduces sanitation workers' workload, especially their duties in the early morning, and innovates urban cleaning. Its design combines practicality and environmental protection. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: At night, the robot activates autonomously. It navigates streets using sensors and cameras, avoiding obstacles. The mantis - arm - like suction head extends to clean under cars. After cleaning, it returns to its charging station. This stagger operation reduces disturbance to daily life. The robot's quiet, efficient cleaning, enabled by solar power and innovative design, ensures better results with minimal energy use. Its autonomous navigation and specialized cleaning mechanism allow it to operate effectively in urban environments, enhancing overall cleanliness with minimal human intervention. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in October 2024 in Changshu and finished in April 2025 in Suzhou. |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: This design uses lightweight, durable materials like aluminum alloy for the main body and high - strength engineering plastics for moving parts. The solar - charging system consists of efficient photovoltaic panels and energy - storage batteries. The navigation system employs sensors, cameras, and algorithms for autonomous movement. The mantis - arm - like suction head uses flexible materials and precise mechanical structures for effective cleaning. We optimized production through modular design and 3D printing for rapid prototyping and iterative improvements. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Width 1560 mm x Length 3570 mm x Height 1940 mm TAGS: Electric, low noise, staggered, sweeping, robotic, sustainable RESEARCH ABSTRACT: This project, inspired by opossums' nocturnal behavior, is an applied design research innovation. Through user research, bionic design, and smart sensor technology integration, it offers an efficient, eco-friendly urban-cleaning solution. This design enhances urban cleanliness, minimizes disturbance, and demonstrates how bionic approaches can solve real - world problems, influencing future design thinking and sustainable urban development. CHALLENGE: Key challenges include creating a flexible yet strong mechanical arm to reach under cars, designing a navigation system for safe and efficient night - time operations, and developing an energy - efficient solar - charging system. ADDED DATE: 2025-03-11 22:26:47 TEAM MEMBERS (3) : Zhu Wenzhuo, Lei Xi'er and Zhang Weiwei IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Rendering Zhu WenZhuo, Street Cleaning Robot Design, 2025. PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Pending patent No. 2025021801457250. 2025. China |
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| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS | |
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NAME: Suzhou University of Technology PROFILE: Founded in 1958, Suzhou University of Technology (SZUT) is a provincial full - time undergraduate institution known for training applied talents. SZUT has two campuses, Donghu and Dongnan, covering an area of 120 hectares. It offers exclusive apartments for foreign teachers and international students. SZUT consists of 53 undergraduate majors across 12 schools, covering nine disciplines including engineering, science, literature, economics, management, history, law, education, and art. With over 18,200 students and nearly 1,200 staff members, more than 250 hold doctorates and about 450 have senior professional titles. SZUT has always been committed to serving the local community, developing interactively with the regional economy and social undertakings. It has established several professional schools with renowned enterprises, such as the Elevator Engineering School, International Service Engineering School, Photovoltaic Technology School, and Automobile Engineering School. |
| AWARD DETAILS | |
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Opossum Cleaning Robot by Suzhou University of Technology is Winner in Robotics, Automaton and Automation Design Category, 2024 - 2025.· Read the interview with designer Suzhou University of Technology for design Opossum here.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Suzhou University of Technology. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Suzhou University of Technology. |
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