Optimization of head and duct design for a warehouse vacuum robot using computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

This project focused on the development of a vacuum head and duct for integration into an automated robotic vacuum cleaning unit for warehouse and industrial applications. Although many autonomous cleaning robots are available on the market, very few are appropriate for industrial applications and those that are often have slow cleaning rates and bulky, impractical sizes. By computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, prototyping, and testing, an improved option for such a robot was created with the capability of competing with current vacuums, a significantly smaller volume, and the ability to clean while moving at much faster speeds. The CFD was crucial in speeding up the iterative design process for the vacuum head as it eliminated the need for many physical iterations. Ultimately a second design is suggested but was not tested. Further recommendations are made as to what areas of improvement could be developed in the future.