Porvoo introduces a sweeping robot for cleaning in Porvoo Market Square and at the riverside
The City of Porvoo will introduce a new type of sweeping robot in early August. The robot will autonomously clean the streets and paved areas in the Market Square and at the riverside, mainly at night. The sweeping robot is about the size of a small car and moves slowly.
Aiming for cleaner streets and more efficient maintenance
The City of Porvoo is leading the way in the introduction of an autonomous sweeping robot.
– The aim is to improve the quality of street cleaning in central areas. Regular cleaning helps to make the environment more pleasant and improves air quality. This fully electric machine reduces energy consumption and emissions, says Keijo Lehtikangas, Director of Maintenance.
The charging and emptying station for the sweeping robot is located in the inner yard of the property at Piispankatu 15, behind the City Hall. At first, the robot will focus on sweeping in Porvoo Market Square and the main pedestrian and street areas at the riverside. The plan is to expand the operating area gradually, based on usage experience. The robot is in use during the snowless period for around 26 weeks a year.
Even before its introduction, the sweeping robot can be seen on the streets of Porvoo at night-time, mapping and learning its route.
What should you do if you come across the sweeping robot?
The sweeping robot observes its surroundings using sensors and stops when it encounters an obstacle, like a vehicle or a person. The robot also has a backup system for stopping when it encounters obstacles. In addition, continuous remote monitoring allows the robot to be redirected to a new route and, if necessary, the remote monitoring center can access the camera system.
If the sweeping robot is moving along a roadway, you can pass it in the same way as if it was working machinery. On the sidewalk, you can walk past the machine by keeping to the edge. If it is not possible to pass the robot side by side, choose an alternative route.
If the robot is about to cross a pedestrian crossing and has already started moving, let it finish crossing so that it does not stop in the middle of the crossing. Remote monitoring assists the robot when it crosses pedestrian crossings.
– Food delivery robots are already a familiar sight in the streets of Porvoo, and people have are used to seeing them in traffic. The sweeping robot is similar, but bigger and moves more slowly. Its maximum speed is about 4 kilometres per hour, says Lehtikangas.
If you notice any problems with the robot, you can contact the remote monitoring center by sending a WhatsApp message to 0449024794.
The service is purchased as a package
The City of Porvoo does not own the sweeping robot; instead, the City purchases the street-sweeping service. The service includes the introduction, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the robot. The autonomous street-sweeping service is purchased from the Finnish company Trombia Technologies Oy.
Additional information
More information about the sweeping robot: