Robotics: The future of cleaning?
As of 2023, robots and computer programs have become increasingly sophisticated and capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Robotics technology in particular has come a long way in recent years, and one area where it has shown significant potential for innovation is in cleaning.
Orian currently operate a robot which can be seen scrubbing the halls after hours at Cumbria County Council’s flagship building Cumbria House in Carlisle, pictured below:
Orian’s ICE Robot at Cumbria House in Carlisle
One of the most common applications of robotics in cleaning services is the use of automated floor cleaners. These robots use advanced navigation systems to move around a space and clean the floor using various techniques such as sweeping, scrubbing, mopping, and vacuuming. They can be programmed to clean areas at specific times, and are even equipped with sensors to detect and avoid obstacles and people.
Orian’s robots are activated by a cleaner each night, and deactivated at the end of the cleaning operation. Once in position and switched on, the robot will begin scrubbing and cleaning the floors based on a predetermined route.
Every inch of space that is scrubbed by the robot is tracked, and Orian are provided with analytical data, such as:
Cleaning efficiency (meters squared covered per hour)
Total cleaned area
Total working hours
Battery life used during the clean
Total water usage during the clean
The lifespan of the consumables used during the clean (brush plate, filter, suction rod)
It even provides a handy map confirming all of the area that it has cleaned.
Orian is committed to leading the way when it comes to innovation in the cleaning space, and looks to trial robotics with clients wherever possible.
To that end, there is a clear case for robotics in these circumstances - there is a large, open space that does not necessarily require the ‘human touch’. The biggest challenges for robotics are found in complex settings where there are a number of obstacles, doors, and changes in surface.
In conclusion, the application of robotics for cleaning services is increasing and showing potential to significantly improve cleaning efficiencies. However, the technology is not there to replace human workers, but rather supplement the work - by no means are robots able to fully replace people, nor would we want them to be.
Robots are best used to supplement the work of cleaning staff. Human workers are still needed to oversee the operation of the robots and to handle tasks that require dexterity and a degree of human judgement.