folding ears and face decorations turn robotic vacuum cleaners into small pet helpers

"Petokka is a decorative accessory designed for vacuum cleaners, developed by Tokyo-based studio ZakkaGyou. The product consists of two main components, a face element and a pair of ears, that attach to existing cleaning robots, transforming their appearance into simplified -like figures, such as or . The decoration does not alter the robot's functionality but introduces a visual layer that interacts with the robot's movement during operation."

"As the robot moves through domestic spaces, the flexible ears bend when passing under furniture, and the face elements shift slightly when encountering obstacles. These responsive details are a direct result of the material and mechanical properties of the components rather than electronic modification. The design leverages the robot's existing motion to produce subtle visual changes over the course of a cleaning cycle."

"The project by Studio ZakkaGyou reflects the widespread adoption of robotic vacuum cleaners, particularly round, autonomous models that have become a familiar presence in residential interiors. As these devices have shifted from utilitarian appliances to everyday household objects, customization and decoration have emerged as common user practices. Petokka responds to this trend by offering a standardized, non-invasive method of personalization."

Petokka is a decorative set for vacuum cleaning robots that attaches without modifying functionality. The product comprises a face element and a pair of flexible ears that transform round autonomous cleaners into simplified pet-like figures. The ears are made from natural rubber to bend repeatedly under furniture, while face elements shift slightly when encountering obstacles, producing responsive visual changes through mechanical properties rather than electronics. The design leverages existing robot motion to animate the decoration during cleaning cycles. Petokka is primarily produced from PLA plastic and includes folded thick paper packaging with embossed facial features. The name derives from Japanese ペット化 (petto-ka), meaning 'to make something into a pet.'

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