Original ideation sketches
Rhino 4 Screengrab
Robot in action! This is why the curved rails exist, so the robot can maneuver around welded handrail joints.
Different color study
Small wheels on a gyroscope project the robot forward and backward, enabling it to spin around pole-joints.
ABS 3D Print Prototype
ABS 3D Print Prototype
ABS 3D Print Prototype
gLike
Subway Cleaning Robot

Being on the subway can be a daunting task. Not only are navigation, train line closures and over-crowding all daily problems, but there is a silent threat in germs and infection. Any city dweller with access to public transit understands that you often have no choices but to touch surfaces that others have touched over and over. Think about it, how many handrails, door handles, and buttons do you touch in one day? My inspiration came directly from the NYC Subway System. The MTA is a beautiful thing, but at times cleanliness can less than desired. This is a self-docking, automated subway hand-rail cleaning robot that utilizes ultraviolet light technology coupled with textured cleaning pads to solve the issue of left behind dirt and grime. This project is based on hypothetical technology that should be available in the next 10 years.

Daniel Woods
Industrial/Product Designer Brooklyn, NY