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Opossum Rengøringsrobot by Suzhou University of Technology

Opossum Rengøringsrobot by Suzhou University of Technology is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award i Bronze in Robotteknologi, Automaton og Automationsdesign Competition Category.


BronzeRobotteknologi· 2025

Opossum Rengøringsrobot

by Suzhou University of Technology

Client: Suzhou University of Technology

A' Design Award i Bronze Winner in Robotteknologi Category

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The Design

About Opossum Rengøringsrobot

Opossum er en robot designet til gaderengøring. Robotten arbejder om natten, når gaderne er stille og trafikken er lav. Et udtrækkeligt sugehoved, formet som en mantis-arm, strækker sig ind under parkerede biler, så bilerne ikke behøver at blive flyttet. Sensorer og kameraer styrer den autonome navigation og hjælper robotten med at undgå forhindringer. Solpaneler oplader batterierne i løbet af dagen. Hoveddelen er lavet af aluminiumslegering, mens de bevægelige dele er fremstillet af højstyrke-teknisk plast. Den stille natdrift reducerer støj og letter arbejdsbyrden for renovationsarbejdere.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award i Bronze

Opossum Rengøringsrobot er vinder af A' Design Award i Bronze, en højt prestigefyldt anerkendelse, der tildeles enestående designs, som udmærker sig ved kreativitet, opfindsomhed og skarpsindighed. Bronzevinderne er rigeligt dygtige og påfaldende kreative artefakter, der bekræfter deres designeres store erfaring, fantasi og snilde. Opossum Rengøringsrobot forventes at være en højt estimeret, beundret og kær genstand, der er bemærkelsesværdigt professionel og innovativ. Dette design, der har vundet A' Design Award i Bronze, indarbejder bedste praksis inden for kunst, videnskab, design og teknologi og er fremragende på grund af sin sans for detaljer. Opossum Rengøringsrobot tilfredsstiller pragtfuldt behov, rører længsler, charmerer følelser og appellerer til nysgerrigheden.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
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.
Dimensions & Packaging
Width 1560 mm x Length 3570 mm x Height 1940 mm
Tags
Electric, low noise, staggered, sweeping, robotic, sustainable
Production 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.
Design 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.
Research
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.
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.
Project Duration
The project started in October 2024 in Changshu and finished in April 2025 in Suzhou.
Operation Flow
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.
Patents
Pending patent No. 2025021801457250. 2025. China
Team Members
Zhu Wenzhuo
Lei Xi'er
Zhang Weiwei
Image Credits
Image #1: Rendering Zhu WenZhuo, Street Cleaning Robot Design, 2025.

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