A Product-Service System Design Approach for the Frame Innovation of Automated Robotaxi Interior Space Cleaning

Authors

• Zhiqian Hu, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Köln International School of Design, TH Köln, Cologne, GermanyFollow
• Yaojia Zhang, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai, ChinaFollow
• Peiyuan Ge, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai, ChinaFollow
• Leijie Ding, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Köln International School of Design, TH Köln, Cologne, GermanyFollow
• Mager Birgit, Köln International School of Design, TH Köln, Cologne, GermanyFollow
• Li Zhang, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai, ChinaFollow

Abstract

Robotaxi services are expanding rapidly, but interior cleanliness, valued by passengers, remains a critical weak link. This study examines embedding the Automated Robotaxi Interior Space Cleaning (ARISC) framework in existing operations via a product service system (PSS) architecture without reducing fleet availability. Methodologically, frame innovation is undertaken from companies’ internal processes and governance: first, the study benchmarks DiDi Autonomous Driving, Baidu’s Apollo Go, and SAIC Mobility Robotaxi, and maps existing Robotaxi service systems; second, eleven semi structured interviews with cleaning providers, company staff, and passengers yield 384 records indicating functional needs (air circulation, surface cleaning, waste removal) and value needs (trust, hygiene, convenience); finally, ARISC is proposed and its embedding pathway illustrated through a service blueprint. Viewed through a PSS lens, the framework organizes cross functional collaboration, provides operators a systemic transformation pathway, and guides management toward service strategies for long term competitiveness.

Keywords

product–service system design (PSSD)， robotaxi service operations，automated interior space cleaning framework, inside–out strategic transformation

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.631

Citation

Hu, Z., Zhang, Y., Ge, P., Ding, L., Birgit, M., and Zhang, L. (2026) A Product-Service System Design Approach for the Frame Innovation of Automated Robotaxi Interior Space Cleaning, in Simeone, L., Gray, C. M., Verhoeven, A., de Götzen, A., Bakırlıoğlu, Y., Zohar, H., Stead, M., and Buwert, P. (eds.), DRS2026: Edinburgh, 8–12 June, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.631

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License