Opossum
Cleaning Robot for Suzhou University of Technology
This street cleaning robot transforms urban sanitation with eco-friendly automation. Operating at night, it cleans under parked cars using a mantis inspired retractable suction head. Advanced sensors ensure safe, optimized navigation without manual input. Solar powered by day, it cuts emissions and fossil fuel use. Quieter than traditional methods, it eases sanitation workers' burdens while enhancing urban peace. This design sets a new standard for smart, sustainable city cleaning.
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Opossum by WEIWEI ZHANG
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Cleaning Robot by WEIWEI ZHANG
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WEIWEI ZHANG Opossum
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WEIWEI ZHANG Cleaning Robot
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Suzhou University of TechnologyBrand Logo
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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.
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.
Project Overview
Opossum Cleaning Robot has been a Bronze winner in the Robotics, Automaton and Automation Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.
Bronze Recognition
WEIWEI ZHANG was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Opossum Cleaning Robot.
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