MINNEAPOLIS — What began as a sixth grade science project, was born out of a childhood pet peeve.
“I hated having to wake up an hour early before I already had to wake up for school, just to go outside and shovel,” said Max Minakov, a Sophomore at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
It’s since developed into Nivoso .
“Nivoso actually means “snowy” in Latin,” said Minakov.
Minakov’s robot cleans during the storm. No matter how much snow falls, Minakov said the robot can keep up.
Minakov said he’s been inspired by his inventor grandfather. The two teamed up to build a playground and tree houses together, now it’s all led to this.
Nivoso won the 2023 Minnesota Cup, competing against other University of Minnesota students and winning $26,000 in prize money.
The hope is to also help those who are unable to shovel.
“Having something like this possibly offered for them could save not only just a lot of time, but also just a lot of hassle and concerns that people have going into the winter season,” said Minakov.