Calgary Students Build a Solar-Powered Snow Removal Robot
A group of high school innovators is making waves with a prototype designed to clear driveways autonomously using solar-charged batteries.
Published: June 16, 2025 at 16:50
By: By Rajan Kapoor, Tundra Bulletin
A team of high school students in Calgary has engineered a solar-powered robot capable of autonomously clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks. Dubbed 'Frostbyte,' the prototype was developed over six months as part of a science and engineering mentorship program hosted at SAIT Polytechnic.
The robot is equipped with photovoltaic panels that charge a lithium battery system during the day. It uses an array of infrared sensors to detect surface conditions and obstacles, adjusting its path to efficiently sweep snow to the side without damaging property or gardens.
Students designed the robot with accessibility in mind. “We were thinking about seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone who struggles with traditional snow shoveling,” said 17-year-old team lead Amir Nouri. “We wanted something lightweight, safe, and affordable.”
Frostbyte's plow is mounted on a compact tracked base, similar to a mini tank. The plow height can adjust automatically based on snow depth, and its electric motor allows quiet operation—an important consideration for early morning use in residential neighborhoods.
The robot was successfully tested during February’s snowstorms, managing to clear up to 30 meters of sidewalk on a single battery charge. Local residents involved in the trial said they were impressed by its speed and reliability, even on icy patches.
The students are now working with a group of volunteer engineers to refine the design for mass production. They hope to pitch the project to innovation grants and small-business competitions later this year, with the long-term goal of forming a cooperative to manufacture units locally.
Mentorship coordinator Lisa Whitaker says the initiative highlights the value of hands-on STEM education. “This is more than just a school project—it’s a real-world solution to a real Canadian problem, created by young people who are invested in their communities,” she said.
The city of Calgary’s Smart Cities office has also expressed interest in supporting further development. Officials noted that autonomous snow removal could play a role in making municipal walkways safer and reducing emergency room visits due to slips and falls.
Frostbyte represents not only a promising innovation but a reminder of the potential in youth-led projects. If it scales successfully, it may mark a new chapter in how Canadians manage the challenges of winter—one solar-powered snowdrift at a time.