Modular Cleaning Robot for High-Rise Facades

Para qué sirve

This is a cleaning robot designed based on a modular concept, aiming to free workers from life-threatening tasks while improving cleaning efficiency and providing a more reliable solution for daily urban maintenance.

Qué te inspiró

During my research, I found that many high-rise cleaners work in dangerous conditions for long periods, using rudimentary equipment with low efficiency. This situation is neither safe nor humane. It made me realize the urgent need for a smarter and more reliable solution in the field of high-altitude cleaning. When designing the appearance, I was inspired by the beetle — its compact structure, streamlined back, and ability to cling to surfaces and clean continuously closely matched the form I envisioned for the robot. I therefore took this natural cleaner as a reference for my bionic design.

Cómo funciona

This high-rise cleaning robot consists of three main parts: a front-mounted water scraper, a central water storage unit, and a rear scrubbing pad. During operation, it moves from the top of the building downward, clinging to the glass façade using track rollers and negative pressure suction cups on its chassis—much like a beetle sticking to a window. The robot can be activated via remote control or a preset program. It begins by firmly attaching to the glass surface with its suction system, then proceeds through a sequence of water spraying, scrubbing, and scraping. Equipped with multiple internal sensors, the robot can detect whether stains have been removed, whether suction is sufficient, and whether it has deviated from the cleaning path.

Proceso de diseño

After choosing the high-rise cleaning robot as my topic, I began by investigating real-world problems—common risks in high-altitude operations, the manual cleaning workflow, and the limitations of current equipment. I then introduced modularity and bionic forms as design strategies to enhance flexibility. I was inspired by the fading surfaces often seen in automotive design. By sketching cars, I explored how to apply smooth, streamlined transitions to the robot’s body to avoid flat, rigid planes. These design elements not only improve aesthetics and create a dynamic form but also help reduce wind resistance and increase stability—key for high-altitude performance. I also analyzed ground-based cleaning robots like vacuums and window cleaners, learning from their approaches to functional zoning, modular assembly, and sensor integration. While the work environments differ, their adaptability and efficiency in complex scenarios offered valuable references. This design always followed the principle of “form follows function.” The final modular form was not shaped for appearance alone, but grew naturally from the logic of structural needs and functional relationships.

Qué lo hace diferente

This design stands out by combining modular construction with bionic aesthetics, balancing functional performance and visual friendliness. It features a dual safety rope system, self-locking mechanisms, and intelligent path planning to enable safe, automated high-rise façade cleaning, replacing risky manual labor. Inspired by the streamlined form of a beetle, the exterior reduces wind resistance and improves stability while softening the cold, mechanical look typical of traditional cleaning devices. Compared to track- or suction-based products, it offers stronger environmental adaptability and easier modular maintenance. Remote control lowers the user threshold. In the future, its functions could expand to include exterior spraying and other applications, showing strong commercial potential. It not only boosts cleaning efficiency but also helps reduce safety risks in high-altitude operations.

Planes para el futuro

The design incorporates lightweight composite materials to reduce overall weight and enhance stability during high-altitude work. It also explores more efficient adhesion systems and durable cleaning components. Future versions may offer multiple sizes and configurations tailored to different building types, with standardized modular interfaces for easy upgrades and iteration. Beyond glass curtain wall cleaning, the system can expand to applications such as photovoltaic panels, advertising facades, and exterior maintenance, supporting multi-scenario use.

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