KUOPIO, FINLAND — At Jätekukko Oy’s sorting facility in Kuopio, the autonomous Trombia Free sweeping system is shown tackling one of the toughest cleaning environments: a high-traffic waste and recycling yard where grit, plastics, fines, and stray debris build up constantly between truck movements and public drop-offs. The recent stunning footage from the site shows the true workhorse mentality of the Trombia Free autonomous sweeping systems:
The task
Heavy vehicles, shifting loads, and mixed surface types create continuous debris and airborne fine dust. Sweeping must fit around operating hours and vehicle peaks without causing disruption—or adding noise and emissions to an already sensitive environment. At the same time, cleaner environment without dust spill offs for neighboring suburbs need to be secured, the issues with traffic vehicle tire damages need to be addressed, and general customer and labor safety and satisfaction improved with the automated cleaning system.
The problem
Conventional truck sweepers are typically loud, water-intensive and best suited to long, open runs. In a compact, constantly changing yard, frequent re-entry and idling waste time, and capturing PM2.5-class dust is difficult without soaking the ground. Night-time or off-peak cleaning is preferred, but noise limits and the need for an operator on board often constrain schedules.
The solution – Trombia Free automation
An electric, autonomous Trombia Free unit is put to work as a yard-duty sweeper. Routes are taught once and then scheduled and monitored remotely via Trombia’s Smooth control platform; ad-hoc missions are dispatched when needed—for example after a busy unloading window. Between missions, the machine docks for autonomous emptying and cyclone/hopper wash as well as charging at the Trombia Free Emptying Station, returning to work without manual intervention. Below-70 dB operating noise allows cleaning to be timed to quieter periods without disturbing nearby activity.
Results observed on site
- Cleaner tipping pads and lanes are maintained through more frequent, short autonomous runs, so debris doesn’t accumulate between truck cycles.
- Fewer sweeping interruptions are required: autonomous docking, emptying and self-cleaning keep the unit on task and staff focused on core site duties.
- Safer, calmer yard operation: dust is contained at source with less water pooling, and low noise supports communication between marshals and drivers.
Why it matters for waste & recycling hubs
Sorting stations like Kuopio Jätekukko serve residents daily (the Kuopio site is open seven days a week), so cleanliness and traffic flow must be maintained without downtime. An autonomous, electric sweeper aligns with municipal sustainability goals while keeping public-facing areas tidy—without adding tailpipe emissions or after-hours noise.
About Jätekukko Oy: a municipally owned daily waste-management company serving 15 municipalities and ~215,000 residents in Northern Savonia, Finland.
About Trombia Free: a full-power autonomous, electric sweeping system with remote monitoring, autonomous docking/emptying, and industry-standard safety (ISO 3691-4/ISO 13849).
