← Back to catalogue
Published

broom

vr.tr.broom · thing-q172833

Enable an AI agent to recognise a broom, assess its sweeping fitness and contamination state, and decide where and how it may be used, maintained or retired.

Thing Registry Physical world and living systems PHY.OBJ
Bundle → Layer → Finding → QuestionsClassifiersWhat it isWhy it existsDistinguishing featuresWhat robots and AI may and may not doMoral aspectsOwnersLinks to other meta-modelsIdentity and identifiersDirect propertiesRecognitionCapabilities and actionsHazards and failure modesStandards and interfacesContext of useSources

Bundle → Layer → Finding → Questions Filled

5 bundles · 10 layers · 10 findings · 20 questions

Broom recognition Establish whether the item is a broom and which physical configuration it has.

Sweeping mechanism

Identify the contact elements and the action they are intended to perform.

Sweeping-edge identity

Record evidence that an array or bundle of elements forms a working edge or face for moving loose debris.

  1. Which elements contact the surface, and do they form a bristled, fibrous or twig-based sweeping edge or face? definition
  2. What distinguishes this item's intended action from liquid absorption, blade wiping or scrubbing? boundary

Configuration and completeness

Identify the broom form and whether the inspected item is complete.

Assembled broom form

Record the head-and-grip arrangement, missing components and evidence of intended use.

  1. Is this an upright, push, bundled or other broom configuration, and what observable geometry supports that classification? definition
  2. Is the item a complete implement, a detached component or a decorative object, and what evidence establishes that status? boundary
Sweeping geometry and control Describe the working face and how force and motion reach it through the handle or grip.

Working face

Capture the dimensions and physical behaviour of the sweeping elements.

Contact profile

Record width, element length, arrangement and stiffness with enough context to interpret surface contact.

  1. What are the effective contact width, exposed element lengths and edge shape at the intended working angle? measurement
  2. What material and stiffness evidence is available, and does it come from identification, documentation or a recorded test? provenance

Handle and force transfer

Capture grip reach, head orientation and attachment behaviour.

Controllable head attachment

Record how the handle positions the head and whether the connection transmits sweeping forces securely.

  1. What handle length, adjustment range and head angle are available, and is any movement at the joint intentional? measurement
  2. Does the attachment remain secure during the intended sweeping motion, or must it be tightened, repaired or replaced? action
Sweeping task fit Assess the broom against a particular surface, debris load and working space.

Surface and debris match

Connect the working face to the actual cleaning target.

Supported sweeping use

Record evidence and limits for using this broom on a specified surface and debris combination.

  1. Which surface texture, finish and debris characteristics define the proposed use, and what evidence supports this broom's suitability? boundary
  2. Should sweeping proceed, be adapted or be avoided because it may scratch the surface, scatter debris or suspend dust? action

Access and stroke

Assess whether the broom can contact and move debris through the intended area.

Reachable collection path

Record clearance, corner reach and a workable route from scattered debris to collection.

  1. Do head width, head height and handle clearance permit contact beneath obstacles and along the required edges? measurement
  2. Which push, pull or lateral strokes can move debris to the collection point without losing effective sweeping contact? action
Sweeping condition Assess functional wear and retained material that affect present readiness.

Wear and element retention

Inspect the shape and security of the sweeping face.

Usable sweeping face

Record deformation, loss of elements and observed effects on contact and collection.

  1. Where are elements splayed, bent, shortened, matted or missing, and how does that alter contact with the intended surface? measurement
  2. Are elements or bindings coming loose, and does their condition require cleaning, head replacement or withdrawal? action

Retained material and transfer

Assess debris, moisture and residues carried by the broom.

Next-use cleanliness

Record what the broom may transfer and whether its use assignment permits the proposed destination.

  1. What prior use, trapped material, moisture or residue is known, and what remains unidentified? provenance
  2. Does the broom's condition and dedicated-use assignment permit this next task, or is cleaning, segregation or withdrawal required? action
Broom care and serviceability Determine how to preserve or restore sweeping function and when continued service is unsupported.

Cleaning and shape preservation

Identify supported cleaning, drying and storage actions.

Compatible care method

Record care methods supported for the sweeping elements, head, binding and handle.

  1. What manufacturer guidance or verified material evidence supports removing trapped debris, washing or drying this broom? provenance
  2. How should this broom be supported and positioned in storage to avoid persistent element deformation and retained moisture? action

Repair and retirement

Assess component replacement and the remaining ability to perform the intended sweeping task.

Restore or withdraw

Record whether a supported intervention can restore secure assembly and adequate sweeping performance.

  1. Which components are replaceable, and what dimensions, thread or socket details and compatibility evidence identify a suitable replacement? boundary
  2. What task-specific result must the repaired or cleaned broom achieve before reuse, and which unresolved failures require withdrawal? action

Classifiers Filled

Family
Thing Registry
Category
Physical world and living systems
Entry kind
thing
Plane
PHY
Domain
PHY.OBJ
Other names and narrower kinds
flying broom, Hand broom, dusting broom, esborralhadouro, leaves broom, Broom-Offering, Maratunù, besom, Sapai ijuak, witch broom

What it is Filled

This model owns the identity, construction, sweeping capabilities, condition and use constraints of a broom as a physical implement, including its handle, head, sweeping elements and their connections.

In scope

  • Recognition of complete brooms and identification of missing or detached components
  • Head geometry, sweeping-element properties and handle configuration
  • Suitability for particular debris, surfaces and access conditions
  • Wear, damage, contamination and readiness for sweeping
  • Broom-specific cleaning, storage, component replacement and retirement decisions

Out of scope

  • Dustpans, waste receptacles and downstream waste handling
  • Mops, squeegees, vacuum cleaners and powered sweeping machines
  • The composition, hazards and disposal requirements of collected debris
  • Floor construction, floor condition and surface-care requirements
  • Cleaning schedules, worker assignments and facility hygiene policies

Why it exists Filled

Enable an AI agent to recognise a broom, assess its sweeping fitness and contamination state, and decide where and how it may be used, maintained or retired.

Distinguishing features Filled

  • Check for an array or bundle of bristles, fibres or twigs that forms a sweeping edge or face, rather than a continuous wiping blade.
  • Check whether the intended cleaning action gathers or displaces loose debris through sweeping strokes, rather than primarily absorbing liquid or scrubbing adhered material.
  • Check whether the grip or handle and head geometry support sweeping a floor, ground or comparable broad surface; a small hand brush may remain a boundary case.
  • Check whether cleaning depends on direct contact by the sweeping elements rather than suction or a powered rotating mechanism.
  • Check whether the item is a complete usable implement, a detached broom head or a decorative representation whose sweeping function is unverified.

What robots and AI may and may not do Filled

Must not

  • Sweep up broken glass, needles or hazardous dust in a way that scatters them or exposes people.
  • Leave a broom lying across a walkway or stairs where people can trip.
  • Use a broom to strike or push people or animals.
  • Dry-sweep dust that may contain asbestos, mould or droppings.

Only with a human decision

  • Cleaning up spills or debris that may be hazardous, such as after a fire or flood.

May

  • Sweep floors and paths it is authorized to clean.
  • Report a broom with a loose head, split handle or worn bristles.

Moral aspects Filled

  • Sweeping is often low-paid work done by people others overlook.
  • Brooms carry cultural and ritual meanings in many communities.

Who is affected

  • Cleaners
  • People using the swept space

Owners Filled

Steward

The person who keeps it.

Links to other meta-models Filled

parent

  • Q2424752 - registry parent class
  • Q26270576 - registry parent class
  • Q614467 - registry parent class

What else AI and robots need to interact with it Filled

Identity and identifiers required Filled

  • Vercy registry: vr.tr.broom
  • Wikidata: Q172833 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q172833)

Direct properties required Filled

  • Broom configuration: angled upright; straight upright; push; bundled twig or fibre; hand or whisk candidate; other; unknown
  • Sweeping-element material: recorded material or mixture; unknown
  • Sweeping-element stiffness: force-deflection result in N and mm with test conditions; otherwise unmeasured
  • Effective sweeping width: mm under a recorded contact orientation
  • Exposed sweeping-element length: mm, including variation across the head
  • Handle length and adjustment range: mm; fixed or adjustable; absent
  • Head-to-handle connection: integral; threaded; socketed; clamped; other; absent; unknown
  • Sweeping-face condition: recorded degree and location of splaying, bending, shortening, matting, shedding or missing elements
  • Structural readiness: secure; loose; cracked; fractured; incomplete; unassessed, with affected component
  • Contamination and dryness: dry; damp; wet; retained debris or residue identified; contamination suspected; unknown
  • Surface-and-debris suitability: broom linked to a surface and debris combination, with suitability, evidence and conditions
  • Dedicated-use assignment: assigned area, material stream or hygiene zone; unrestricted if explicitly established; unknown

Recognition required Filled

  • A long handle fixed to a head of bristles, straw or twigs set at or near a right angle.
  • Bristle wear on one side from the sweeping angle.

Capabilities and actions required Filled

  • Sweep compatible loose debris into a pile, collection edge or dustpan.
  • Select a stroke direction and working angle suited to the head geometry and available space.
  • Inspect sweeping contact, element retention and handle attachment before use.
  • Remove trapped debris and clean or dry the broom using a compatible method.
  • Tighten or replace a detachable handle or head when the connection and replacement are compatible.
  • Store the broom to protect its sweeping shape, or withdraw it when condition or contamination prevents the intended use.

Hazards and failure modes required Filled

  • Dry sweeping can suspend dust and allergens in the air and increase inhalation exposure.
  • Using a contaminated broom across different areas can spread unwanted material or microorganisms.
  • Broken handles or detached bristles can cause injury or contaminate cleaned areas.
  • A broom left across a walkway can cause trips and falls.

Standards and interfaces required Filled

  • Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety, issued by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, applies to consumer brooms placed on the Union market within its scope.

Context of use required Filled

  • A broom gathers loose dirt and debris from floors, paths and other accessible surfaces.
  • It is used in homes, workplaces and outdoor maintenance, with bristle stiffness and head shape selected for the surface and debris.
  • Cleaning systems may assign separate brooms to different areas to limit contamination transfer.

Sources Filled

  1. Wikidata item Q172833: broom - identity and sense of the item
  2. Wikipedia: Broom - general description of the item

Open questions

  • Does the registry intend broom to include whisk brooms, hand brooms and besoms, or do any belong to separate registered concepts?
  • Does an existing Vercy world model already own this concept, requiring a link instead of a separate publication?
  • What repeatable tests and task-specific acceptance criteria should establish sweeping effectiveness, element shedding and excessive wear?
  • Which authoritative sources establish cleaning, moisture, chemical and replacement-part compatibility for the broom variants represented?
  • How should the model distinguish functional brooms from decorative or ceremonial examples and represent detached heads without duplicating neighbouring component models?

Machine files

Card as JSON Specification Card backlog vercy.card/1

Provenance

thing registry research (pass 2) · unreviewed

Built from: models/things/publications/thing-q172833/spec.json