Duo: A Multifunctional Cleaning Robot for Home

Integrating Air-Purification and Floor-Sweeping for a Comprehensive Cleaning Experience

There is an emerging trend of using cleaning robots to assist with household chores. However, user feedback has highlighted some pain points, such as limited air-purification range and the need for a balance between functionality and space-saving. Inspired by the image of Emperor Penguins and their young, designer Qizhe Yao came up with the innovative idea of combining an air-purifier and a floor sweeper to address these issues.

Duo: is a multifunctional cleaning robot designed for the home. It seamlessly integrates air-purification and floor-sweeping capabilities to meet the majority of household cleaning needs. The air purifier can move along with the floor sweeper, expanding the purification range and improving overall efficiency. The compact size of the sweeper robot allows it to easily navigate underneath furniture and reach areas that are typically hard to clean. Together, Duo: provides a convenient and comprehensive cleaning experience.

The interaction between users and Duo: is intuitive and user-friendly. Physical buttons on the top surface of the robot allow users to easily change settings, while a screen displays the current status of the cleaning process.

The development of Duo: began in May 2017 and was completed in June 2017 in Shanghai. Extensive research was conducted to understand the market demand and user preferences. The Chinese market, in particular, showed a growing interest in household cleaning robots as consumers increasingly prioritize a higher quality of life. However, the usage context and user demands in China differ from those in Western markets where air-purifiers and floor-sweepers originated. Through market overview and user interviews, several pain points were identified. Traditional air purifiers were limited to fixed locations, lacking flexibility and efficiency, especially in small apartments. For floor sweepers, the challenge lay in striking a balance between size and mechanical requirements, as there was a contradiction between fitting into small house environments and meeting the necessary mechanical specifications.

Duo: has been recognized for its outstanding design and functionality. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Home Appliances Design category in 2020. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Duo: stands out for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive experiences, ultimately contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Qizhe Yao
Image Credits: Qizhe Yao
Project Team Members: Qizhe Yao
Project Name: Duo:
Project Client: Qizhe Yao


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