Opossum Reinigungsroboter by Suzhou University of Technology

Opossum Reinigungsroboter by Suzhou University of Technology is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Bronze in Robotikdesign Competition Category.

BronzeRobotik· 2025

Opossum Reinigungsroboter

by Suzhou University of Technology

Client: Suzhou University of Technology

A' Design Award in Bronze Winner in Robotik Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #171811

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Opossum Reinigungsroboter

Opossum ist ein Roboter für die Straßenreinigung. Der Roboter arbeitet nachts, wenn die Straßen ruhig sind und wenig Verkehr herrscht. Ein ausfahrbarer Saugkopf, geformt wie der Arm einer Gottesanbeterin, reicht unter geparkte Fahrzeuge, sodass diese nicht umgesetzt werden müssen. Sensoren und Kameras steuern die autonome Navigation und helfen dem Roboter, Hindernissen auszuweichen. Solarmodule laden tagsüber die Akkus. Der Grundkörper besteht aus einer Aluminiumlegierung, die beweglichen Teile aus hochfesten technischen Kunststoffen. Der leise Nachtbetrieb reduziert die Lärmbelastung und entlastet die Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter der Stadtreinigung.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Bronze

Opossum Reinigungsroboter ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Bronze, einer hochprestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für herausragende Designs, die sich durch Kreativität, Einfallsreichtum und Scharfsinn auszeichnen. Bronze-Gewinner sind reichlich geschickte und auffallend kreative Artefakte, die die große Erfahrung, Fantasie und Findigkeit ihrer Designer belegen. Von Opossum Reinigungsroboter wird erwartet, dass es ein hochgeschätztes, bewundertes und geliebtes Objekt ist, das bemerkenswert professionell und innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Bronze prämierte Design verkörpert bewährte Verfahren in Kunst, Wissenschaft, Design und Technologie und ist hervorragend in seiner Liebe zum Detail. Opossum Reinigungsroboter befriedigt Bedürfnisse auf großartige Weise, berührt Wünsche, bezaubert Gefühle und spricht die Neugier an.

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.