DIY Street-Cleaning Robot Hits the Sidewalks in Moscow

A Moscow handyman has built a fully functional sidewalk-cleaning robot using store-bought parts—hinting at a future where urban maintenance is driven by homegrown tech.

While robotic vacuums have become household staples, similar technology is now rolling onto the streets of Russia—literally. In Moscow, a local construction worker named Ivan has built a street-cleaning robot from scratch in his spare time, using off-the-shelf components and parts ordered online.

The robot named Bobik is a nod to both the common Russian dog name and the compact Bobcat utility loaders. It has already passed field tests in a Moscow neighborhood, where residents were surprised by its agility and efficiency. Bobik can dodge obstacles, make tight turns, and clear snow from sidewalks with ease.

Powered by a battery with a 90-minute runtime, Bobik can reach speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour and haul up to 70 kilograms. Ivan even lets local kids take rides on it, thanks to its tank-like tread system and sturdy build.

The inventor believes that industrial versions of robots like Bobik could become a staple of street cleaning across Russia within 5 to 10 years. He’s also open to sharing the technical insights he gained while building his prototype.

Street-cleaning drones may soon become as familiar in Russian cities as their household vacuum counterparts—one robot at a time.