Xinjiang city upgrades public toilets with robots, new tech

URUMQI -- Dirty, smelly, unpleasant: These established perceptions of public toilets in urban Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Today, tech-infused designs have given rise to a new label: smart.

A public toilet featuring sweeping robots at a tourist site in Urumqi's downtown Sayibak district has caught the attention of local media since its launch last week.

When users leave the structure, autonomous machines on the ground start cleaning the squat-style toilets -- flushable ceramic bowls set into the floor. Armed with large brushes, the robotic cleaners clean and spray detergent and disinfectant to ensure hygiene.

In addition to easing the workload of cleaning staff, the robot is equipped with a drying device and can reduce risks of slips and falls on wet floors.

Many have praised the innovative contactless robots. "They work well, making the restroom clean and odor-free," said one user, Yang Hongzhen.

The sweeping process takes just 70 seconds, according to Liu Qingyuan, general manager of Kuolin, a private company in Xinjiang that specializes in smart city management solutions and the provider of the robot.

Kuolin has also developed a digital platform that utilizes sensors installed in the toilet to track data on temperature, humidity, user flow, gas concentration, and water and electricity consumption. It enables the real-time monitoring and remote management of the toilet's public areas, allowing for timely cleaning work and an improved user experience.

"This data helps make toilet management more scientific and efficient, providing support for the selection of new toilet sites in the future," Liu said.

The use of sweeping robots and digital technology to provide more accessible and user-friendly sanitation services is the latest upgrade to public toilets in urban Urumqi.

From automatic toilet paper dispensers to mobile apps that allow users to locate their nearest toilets, eye-catching technologies in public toilet facilities have attracted widespread attention since China launched its "toilet revolution" in 2015, aiming to increase the numbers and sanitation levels of toilets at tourist sites. The nationwide campaign later expanded to focus on improving public toilets in cities and building better private toilets in rural areas.

This has led to significant transformations in the remote northwestern city of Urumqi. For decades, Urumqi had a shortage of public toilets. Prolonged closures of public toilet facilities due to years of disrepair had long inconvenienced residents -- a matter that has been frequently reported by local media.

Since the campaign's launch, the municipal government, like those of many other cities, has introduced social investment by entrusting professional cleaning firms to undertake public toilet management, aiming to enhance sanitation infrastructure and services. Liu's company is one of these campaign participants.

His team has set up several accessible restrooms in bustling commercial areas and night markets. These bus-sized public facilities offer accessible toilets and baby care rooms, with increased numbers of handrails installed to assist elderly users. Ramps have also been constructed to replace steps, making access easier for wheelchair users.

Liu said that advanced technology used in vacuum toilets -- originally designed for airplanes but capable of overcoming the challenges of limited space and water shortages -- has been applied in these accessible toilets.

In addition to advancements in tech, efforts have been made to improve the interior and exterior design of these facilities. Exterior walls are painted light yellow and gray, making them a unique sight on the street. Unlike old public restrooms, the new facilities feature green plants, scent sprayers and light music, creating a comfortable experience for users.

Liu also noted that the walls are decorated with two Xinjiang folk art patterns.

"The public restrooms used to be dirty, smelly and disorderly. I hope that through our efforts, we can transform them into clean, safe and pleasant places," Liu said.

Xinjiang, renowned for its splendid natural landscapes, has in recent years been actively promoting the development of its tourism industry. Almost all cities in the region have been continuously increasing their numbers of new public restrooms and upgrading old facilities to enhance their management and service quality in urban and scenic areas, ensuring that they align with the beautiful scenery that surrounds them.

The robots designed for public toilets exemplify the key role that technology can play in such efforts.

"Urban infrastructure should also keep pace with tech advances, which will not only offer people more convenient services but also enhance the efficiency and precision of urban management," said Dai Xing, a local official in charge of public facility management.

Dai said that more sweeping robots will be used in the city's public toilets in the future.