Omi Modular Sweeping Robot

Press Kit

Unique Properties

OMI（Outdoor modular intelligent sweeper） is a modular cleaning robot for China's sanitation mode, suitable for a variety of outdoor cleaning work in both sunny and rainy environments. Based on a movable body, it is equipped with six functional modules: disinfection, vacuuming, sweeping, stagnant water treatment, guardrail cleaning and water jet washing, which can be replaced according to different weather conditions or different tasks.The automated sweeping module replaces manual labor and improves working conditions.

Dimensions & Packaging

1500mm*1000mm*1300mm（length*width* height）

Tags

modular, intelligent, multifunctional, robot, sweeper, auto-follow

Production Technology

The modular sweeper is an outdoor intelligent sweeper composed of different function modules. In terms of product functions, the function module of sweeper uses the vacuum technology, high-pressure water pump technology, electromagnetic adsorption technology, etc.; the body uses the environmental sensor technology, automatic touring technology and power conversion technology. In terms of materials and molding, the function module is produced by plastic injection molding; the body is molded by metal stamping technology.

Design Challenge

Our biggest challenge in the design process is to study how users can select functional modules more precisely and how easily they can assemble them. In the design, we distinguish the storage location of each functional module, and place the module flush with the body base. When installing the module, there are indicator lights to guide and remind, so that the module can be easily installed.

Project Duration

The project started in March 2020 and ended in September 2020. The whole project was carried out in Wuhan.

Operation Flow

The modular sweeper is an outdoor modular intelligent sweeper. The sanitation worker can choose the appropriate kit to combine with the sweeper platform according to the weather forecast.The vacuuming module, disinfection spraying module, water jet washing module and guardrail cleaning module are each equipped with mounting armrests on both sides, which can be installed and removed by sanitation workers by pushing and pulling. The sweeping module and the water cleaning module are installed and dismantled by the magnetic suction principle of the electromagnet. In working condition, the modular sweeper can automatically follow the sanitation worker to complete the work in the designated area. On sunny days, when there are large areas of fallen leaves or rubbish piling up at road corners, for example, the worker can remove the vacuum pipe by sliding the slider in front of the module and then hold the pipe to clear the rubbish or fallen leaves. Similarly, when it rains, workers can clean up trash cans or billboards by holding a high-pressure water gun, and then put the handheld tool back in place when the cleanup is complete. After work, the sanitation workers will remove the module and the body will automatically tour to recharge.

Research

Purpose of this project is to solve some of the current problems encountered by Chinese sanitation workers in the course of their work and to improve their work experience. In order to achieve the objective of the project, we conducted user interviews, field visits and observations, and market research on sanitation tools to understand the current working conditions of Chinese sanitation workers. Based on the above research, we identified four main problems faced by Chinese sanitation workers: repetitive work and heavy workload, traffic congestion and its hazards, physical exertion of manual cleaning, and the difficulty of working in rainy days. In order to improve the working experience of sanitation workers in China, we propose a modular cleaning robot for China's sanitation mode. It is suitable for a wide range of outdoor sweeping jobs in both sunny and rainy conditions, and is a great solution to many of the problems faced by Chinese sanitation workers in their work.

Inspiration

In the Chinese sanitation model,the outdoor cleaning work of sanitation workers is characterized by the use of tools with a single function, inconvenient to carry and use, high work intensity, high risk, high pressure, and unreasonable distribution of tools for different tasks in different weather conditions.
The emergence of cleaning robots has improved labor efficiency and reduced stress, and it is important to design a multi-module combination of cleaning robots suitable for China.

Colors of Omi Modular Sweeping Robot