FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Opossum: A Nocturnal, Solar-Powered Street Cleaning Robot Revolutionizes Urban Sanitation

Opossum, designed by WEIWEI ZHANG and his team, is a next-generation street cleaning robot that operates autonomously at night, drawing inspiration from the nocturnal habits of opossums. This innovative robot addresses the challenges of urban sanitation by working during off-peak hours, thus avoiding daytime crowds and reducing noise pollution. Its unique mantis-inspired retractable suction head allows it to clean under parked cars without requiring them to be moved, setting it apart from traditional street cleaning solutions.

The Opossum robot is powered by solar energy, charging efficiently during the day and performing its cleaning duties after dark. Constructed from lightweight aluminum alloy and high-strength engineering plastics, the robot is both durable and agile. Its advanced navigation system, equipped with sensors and cameras, ensures safe, precise movement through complex urban environments, while the flexible suction head delivers thorough cleaning in hard-to-reach areas. Modular design and 3D printing have streamlined its production, enabling rapid prototyping and continuous improvement.

This award-winning design not only reduces the workload for sanitation workers but also represents a significant step forward in sustainable urban development. By integrating bionic design principles, smart sensor technology, and renewable energy, Opossum exemplifies how innovative thinking can create practical, eco-friendly solutions for real-world problems. The project, completed between October 2024 and April 2025 in Suzhou, China, demonstrates the potential for robotics to transform city life, setting a new benchmark for smart, sustainable urban cleaning worldwide.

-END-