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The evolution of cleaning: embracing automation

Friday, 05 July 2024
The cleaning industry is undergoing a technological transformation, with the implementation of advanced robotics becoming more commonplace – and for good reason. Here, Kristal Goodwin, national sales manager for Robert Scott’s cobotic division, explores the benefits these intelligent autonomous machines offer. 

A growth in interest

Google Trends data indicates that there has been a notable shift in inquiries for ‘robot vacuum and mop’ over the last two to three years, alongside a reduction in searches for terms such as ‘deep cleaning services’. But what makes automated robotic solutions so attractive to professionals in the sector? 

Addressing staff shortages

It’s well known that the UK faces a significant shortfall in its cleaning workforce. Automated cleaning technologies present a viable solution to this challenge, enhancing operational efficiency and stability for businesses. 
 
By automating routine tasks, these systems allow human workers to focus on more complex and rewarding activities. Autonomous floor cleaners, for example, can independently maintain large areas, allowing staff to concentrate on tasks that add greater value, such as spot cleaning, disinfecting and deep cleaning. This not only boosts productivity but also supports staff retention by making their roles more fulfilling.

Working in collaboration with humans

Indeed, it’s not about replacing human jobs, rather enhancing them through ‘cobotics’, an approach where human workers and robotic equipment collaborate. 
 
Robots boost human productivity and improve working environments by efficiently handling repetitive and physically demanding tasks. For instance, the META-SCRUB 60 autonomous scrubber dryer that we offer is designed for precision cleaning, navigating closely along walls with gaps as narrow as 10 cm and turning on the spot to access tight spaces. 
 
Such advanced technologies allow personnel to work alongside robots or focus on intricate cleaning tasks that require a human touch. Additionally, these robots can be programmed to adapt to various environments and scenarios, supporting human cleaners in their roles. This also creates better working environments by reducing the physical strain on workers.

Demonstrable results

Achieving flawless results is essential in floorcare, where floors must not only be thoroughly cleaned but also dried effectively to ensure a high-quality finish and prevent slip hazards. 
 
Fortunately, cobotics excel in this area, handling the entire cleaning process, including wastewater disposal. The META-SCRUB 60 exemplifies this with its versatile attachments that can scrub, dust mop, sweep, polish, and dry floor surfaces efficiently.
 
In addition, cobotics also improve cleaning results through the provision of real-time, reliable data. Autonomous cleaning robots serve as technology platforms that refine cleaning schedules by tracking and reporting, allowing users to manage robot routes, locations, and productivity via interfaces accessible on desktops and smartphones. Supervisors can leverage this data to assess cleaning performance, monitor machine efficiency, and make informed decisions that drive operational improvements. 

Sustainability credentials

Cobotic cleaning systems tend to be more environmentally friendly by nature than traditional methods, utilising less cleaning products and water. Some cobotic systems offer benefits such as disposing of wastewater and refilling with fresh clean water automatically, such as the META-SCRUB 60, or even employing microfibre technology to eliminate the need for water completely. This innovation not only reduces slip hazards but also decreases wastewater generation.
 
Moreover, modern battery technologies enable cost-efficient operation of cobotics, with running costs as low as 35p per hour and battery life extending up to 20 hours. Additional environmental benefits of cobotics include the minimised use of harmful chemicals.

Financial savings

Although they require an initial investment, cleaning robots can also deliver substantial long-term cost benefits and return on investment. These savings materialise through staff redeployment, heightened efficiency, and notable enhancements in cleaning quality, potentially creating new business opportunities.
 
What’s more, the sophistication of existing technology means that integrating cleaning robots typically does not necessitate major infrastructure changes. 

An exciting future

The role of automation in the cleaning sector is only set to further grow, making now the ideal time to explore the benefits it offers. We’re just beginning to uncover the full potential of how automation can benefit the industry. 
 
At Robert Scott, we’re committed to remaining at the cutting edge of this emerging field. Our ultimate ambition is to help our customers fully leverage the possibilities presented by collaborative cleaning machines, ensuring they maximise the advantages these technologies bring.

The evolution of cleaning: embracing automation

Friday, 05 July 2024
The cleaning industry is undergoing a technological transformation, with the implementation of advanced robotics becoming more commonplace – and for good reason. Here, Kristal Goodwin, national sales manager for Robert Scott’s cobotic division, explores the benefits these intelligent autonomous machines offer. 
A growth in interest
Google Trends data indicates that there has been a notable shift in inquiries for ‘robot vacuum and mop’ over the last two to three years, alongside a reduction in searches for terms such as ‘deep cleaning services’. But what makes automated robotic solutions so attractive to professionals in the sector? 
Addressing staff shortages
It’s well known that the UK faces a significant shortfall in its cleaning workforce. Automated cleaning technologies present a viable solution to this challenge, enhancing operational efficiency and stability for businesses. 
 
By automating routine tasks, these systems allow human workers to focus on more complex and rewarding activities. Autonomous floor cleaners, for example, can independently maintain large areas, allowing staff to concentrate on tasks that add greater value, such as spot cleaning, disinfecting and deep cleaning. This not only boosts productivity but also supports staff retention by making their roles more fulfilling.
Working in collaboration with humans
Indeed, it’s not about replacing human jobs, rather enhancing them through ‘cobotics’, an approach where human workers and robotic equipment collaborate. 
 
Robots boost human productivity and improve working environments by efficiently handling repetitive and physically demanding tasks. For instance, the META-SCRUB 60 autonomous scrubber dryer that we offer is designed for precision cleaning, navigating closely along walls with gaps as narrow as 10 cm and turning on the spot to access tight spaces. 
 
Such advanced technologies allow personnel to work alongside robots or focus on intricate cleaning tasks that require a human touch. Additionally, these robots can be programmed to adapt to various environments and scenarios, supporting human cleaners in their roles. This also creates better working environments by reducing the physical strain on workers.
Demonstrable results
Achieving flawless results is essential in floorcare, where floors must not only be thoroughly cleaned but also dried effectively to ensure a high-quality finish and prevent slip hazards. 
 
Fortunately, cobotics excel in this area, handling the entire cleaning process, including wastewater disposal. The META-SCRUB 60 exemplifies this with its versatile attachments that can scrub, dust mop, sweep, polish, and dry floor surfaces efficiently.
 
In addition, cobotics also improve cleaning results through the provision of real-time, reliable data. Autonomous cleaning robots serve as technology platforms that refine cleaning schedules by tracking and reporting, allowing users to manage robot routes, locations, and productivity via interfaces accessible on desktops and smartphones. Supervisors can leverage this data to assess cleaning performance, monitor machine efficiency, and make informed decisions that drive operational improvements. 
Sustainability credentials
Cobotic cleaning systems tend to be more environmentally friendly by nature than traditional methods, utilising less cleaning products and water. Some cobotic systems offer benefits such as disposing of wastewater and refilling with fresh clean water automatically, such as the META-SCRUB 60, or even employing microfibre technology to eliminate the need for water completely. This innovation not only reduces slip hazards but also decreases wastewater generation.
 
Moreover, modern battery technologies enable cost-efficient operation of cobotics, with running costs as low as 35p per hour and battery life extending up to 20 hours. Additional environmental benefits of cobotics include the minimised use of harmful chemicals.
Financial savings
Although they require an initial investment, cleaning robots can also deliver substantial long-term cost benefits and return on investment. These savings materialise through staff redeployment, heightened efficiency, and notable enhancements in cleaning quality, potentially creating new business opportunities.
 
What’s more, the sophistication of existing technology means that integrating cleaning robots typically does not necessitate major infrastructure changes. 
An exciting future
The role of automation in the cleaning sector is only set to further grow, making now the ideal time to explore the benefits it offers. We’re just beginning to uncover the full potential of how automation can benefit the industry. 
 
At Robert Scott, we’re committed to remaining at the cutting edge of this emerging field. Our ultimate ambition is to help our customers fully leverage the possibilities presented by collaborative cleaning machines, ensuring they maximise the advantages these technologies bring.