While FM firms are paying ever more attention to the opportunities presented by automated cleaning machines, a lack of clarity on precise ROI and the perception of significant investment costs can remain a sticking point.
This is changing explains Gavin Holmes, New Product Development Manager at Robert Scott, as an increasing availability of robust performance data allows for more thorough and compelling comparison of automated solutions against traditional methods.
From anecdotes to evidence
It’s certainly true that the FM sector has long been aware of the benefits that robotic cleaning equipment can deliver – including improved consistency, increased productivity, and boosted staff morale. What has arguably often been missing is the exact detail of how this all impacts the bottom line.
However, the increasing wealth of real-world, data-backed evidence available on the performance of these machines is changing that. Take, for example, the latest customer trials of the META-SCRUB 60 robotic scrubber dryer, carried out by Robert Scott. The results demonstrate just how efficient the cobotic machine is across a variety of commercial cleaning scenarios.
To give an example, when tested on a sports hall measuring 554m2 – typical of a school or leisure centre – the META-SCRUB 60 scrubbed and cleaned the entire area in just 33 minutes and 35 seconds, achieving a 96% successful execution rate. To put this in perspective, a human operator using a standard machine scrubber with a 36cm diameter brush would require around 95 minutes to cover the same space. Using an even smaller machine, that figure could take as long as five or six hours.[1]
The trials didn’t just highlight the efficiency of robotic scrubber driers in large, open areas; they also demonstrated performance in intricate, narrow hallways with multiple turns and sub-corridors. In such constrained environments, the META-SCRUB 60 still maintained a remarkable cleaning rate of around 440m2 per hour at a 97% success rate, outpacing manual cleaning even in complex settings.
What makes it so effective?
Automated robotics are developed with thorough research and a deep knowledge and experience of cleaning machines; so, it’s not surprising that they’re incredibly effective at their job.
For example, the META-SCRUB 60 features optimal water dosing, a high-quality natural rubber squeegee, and a powerful suction motor, providing incredibly quick drying times and outstanding cleaning results. It also has dynamic obstacle avoidance and a zero-degree turning circle. Automatic wastewater disposal and water refilling at its charging station can further minimises downtime.
In addition to this, performance data allows cleaning schedules to be continuously optimised, while cleaning reports makes it easier to assess results without the need for inspection.
Immediate quantifiable impact
[1] https://www.fultondistributing.com/documents/Cleaning_Time_Estimator.pdf
The trial data proves that – particularly when used for traditionally time-consuming floorcare tasks, allowing operatives to focus more time on higher value tasks such as spot-cleaning – cobotic solutions can be more cost-effective than traditional approaches.
In fact, if a robotic solution such as META-SCRUB 60 is adopted using a leasing agreement, then it is often possible to make savings from day one. See the graph for an example cost comparison featuring a leased META-SCRUB 60.
Even when a META-SCRUB 60 is purchased outright it’s common to find that the robot has achieved its payback within 24 months. Once that has been achieved, ROI becomes even more pronounced.
From nice-to-have to must have
Robust performance data and demonstrable evidence of cobotics’ ROI potential are key to changing the conversation around the cost implications of deploying cleaning robots.
The latest research from Robert Scott has demonstrated that, particularly when used alongside flexible funding models to reduce upfront outlays, cobotic cleaning technologies such as the META-SCRUB 60 can realise returns literally from day one.
For more information or to arrange a site trial please contact Robert Scott’s Cobotic Division at www.metabots.uk/contact-us/
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