At a Shanghai expo on elderly care and rehabilitation tech, Chinese company Yueban unveiled the Xiaoban, a self-driving smart toilet that moves to users instead of requiring them to travel to a bathroom. Designed for people with limited mobility due to age, injury, or disability, it is expected to sell in China for ¥28,999 (about $4,300), with no confirmed international release.
Smart Navigation and Assisted Mobility Features of the Xiaoban Toilet
The Xiaoban relies on technology similar to that used in high-end robotic vacuum cleaners.Equipped with lidar, ultrasonic sensors, and other systems, it can map and navigate homes or care facilities while avoiding obstacles and stairs. Users can summon it via voice commands or a remote control. While some people may still need help getting onto the toilet, the device removes the need to go to a bathroom. Demonstration videos suggest that the Xiaoban can also manage most of the remaining toileting process on its own.
It replaces toilet paper with an integrated bidet and warm-air dryer for cleaning. It also features a self-cleaning mechanism that sanitizes the bowl and securely stores waste in a sealed compartment. Built-in UV sterilization kills bacteria, reduces odors, and improves comfort when using the toilet outside a traditional bathroom.
Screenshot: YouTube
Autonomous Waste Handling and Caregiver Support System
Once the user has finished, the Xiaoban automatically travels to one of two destinations. If its charging station is connected to water and drainage, the toilet returns there to recharge, refill water, and grind and dispose of waste to prevent clogs. If not, it goes to a bathroom and transfers waste via an extendable mechanism into a regular toilet for flushing. While not a replacement for caregivers, Xiaoban can reduce their workload by handling bathroom access and most cleaning tasks.
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