Shanghai Inertia

Postman issue — Frontier Technology exhibit for science museums

Reference image

Category	Frontier Technology
Standard size	Custom size
Supply	Single unit or batch · OEM to your drawing
Lead time	Standard 4–8 weeks after deposit (confirmed per contract)
Warranty	1 year, structure and control
Documents	Specification sheet · control diagram · spare-part list

A standard catalogue model: the dimensions, control package and finish are fixed, which is what keeps the price and the lead time predictable. Size, colour and interface language can be adapted without a new design cycle.

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01 / Overview

The Chinese Postman Problem is a classic problem in graph theory, aimed at planning the shortest route for a postman to deliver letters in a certain area, in order to minimize the total journey. This problem was first proposed by Chinese scholar Guan Meigu in the 1960s, and he proposed the famous solution - the "odd even point graph homework method". This issue is internationally known as the 'Chinese Postman Problem'. Its core is to match odd degree vertices in the graph, ensuring that all edges are traversed at least once, while optimizing path length, providing theoretical support for practical transportation, logistics, and network design.

02 / How visitors use it

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.

03 / The science behind it

The Chinese Postman Problem is a classic graph theory problem that involves how postal workers plan routes to minimize the total distance traveled when delivering letters in a certain area. This problem was first proposed by Chinese scholar Guan Meigu in the 1960s, and a solution method was given - the "odd even point graph operation method", which is internationally known as the "Chinese Postman Problem" definition: a postman needs to travel to every street within his jurisdiction at least once before returning to the post office. How to choose the shortest possible route is the problem of Chinese postal workers. Background: This problem can be represented in graph theory using weighted connected graphs, where vertices represent intersections, edges represent streets, and the weights of edges represent the length of streets. The task of the postman is to find the path with the minimum weight in this diagram (i.e., the path that passes through each edge at least once and returns to the starting point), which is called the optimal path. Is there a problem with Chinese postal workers.

04 / Built for a public floor

Every unit leaves the factory after a running test: mechanisms cycled, electronics burned in, edges dressed, fixings torqued and marked. Wear parts — bearings, sliders, lamps, belts, touch panels — are modular and listed on the spare-part sheet, so a venue technician can replace them without returning the exhibit. Crating is plywood with foam blocking; the loading plan and packing list travel with the shipment.