Suzhou University of Technology · CLIENT: Suzhou University of Technology
Opossum is a robot designed for street cleaning. The robot works at night, when streets are quiet and traffic is low. A retractable suction head, shaped like a mantis arm, extends under parked cars, so the cars do not need to be moved. Sensors and cameras guide autonomous navigation and help the robot avoid obstacles. Solar panels charge the storage batteries during the day. The main body is made of aluminium alloy and the moving parts of high-strength engineering plastics. Quiet night operation reduces noise and eases the workload of sanitation workers.
Press Kit
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Rendering Zhu WenZhuo, Street Cleaning Robot Design, 2025.
- Patents
- Pending patent No. 2025021801457250. 2025. China
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