ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

A smart, self-driving toilet that can be summoned by a home-owner when it is needed has been developed by Chinese technology firm Yueban.

The autonomous Xiaoban toilet was recently showcased at an exhibition in Shanghai focused on elderly care, assistive technology and rehabilitation medicine.

The machine uses technology similar to that found in advanced robotic vacuum cleaners. A combination of sensors including lidar and ultrasonic systems enables it to navigate homes and care facilities, avoiding obstacles and stairs while travelling to a user in response to voice commands or a remote control.

The system incorporates a built-in bidet and warm-air drying function plus a self-cleaning mechanism that seals waste inside an enclosed container. Ultraviolet sterilisation technology is used to kill bacteria, helping to reduce odours.

If the toilet's charging station is connected to plumbing and drainage systems it will return there to recharge, refill its reservoirs and dispose of the waste after it has been macerated to prevent blockages.

If no drainage connection is available at the charging station, the unit will instead travel to a bathroom. There an extending robotic arm will transfer the waste into a standard toilet, allowing it to be flushed away.

The Xiaoban unit is designed to help people with limited mobility who may find it difficult to make their own way to a toilet.