Exploring the next phase of robotics in the cleaning sector

There’s no doubt that robotics will play an increasingly important role in enhancing the efficiency and productivity of the cleaning sector in the coming years. Here, Robert Scott’s new product development manager, Gavin Holmes, provides an overview of the next phases of cleaning automation and the company’s upcoming product innovations.

THE EVOLUTION OF ROBOTIC CLEANING

We entered the robotic cleaning market last year when we introduced the META-SCRUB 60 in conjunction with our partners, Metabots. The cobotic scrubber dryer provided an autonomous solution for large areas such as retail spaces, airports, and educational institutions. By automating repetitive tasks, it allowed human operatives to focus on more complex activities and quickly proved to be a hit with the market.

However, the cleaning industry is not one-size-fits-all. While the META-SCRUB 60 is ideal for large spaces, our goal has always been to offer a wider range of cobotic cleaning machines for various environments.

This has led to the development of the META-BOT 45, a smaller, more agile model for intricate and confined spaces. Its compact size and advanced features opens the range to a whole new segment.

Launching soon to the market, the META-BOT 45 is designed to navigate narrow corridors, pass through doorways and access areas larger machines cannot reach. Despite its compact size, it delivers the same high-quality cleaning performance as the META-SCRUB 60.

Equipped with dual cleaning features, advanced edge cleaning capabilities, and dynamic obstacle avoidance, the META-BOT 45 can handle even the most detailed tasks. Its versatility makes it suitable for environments where larger robotics may not be ideal – such as offices and shops – and allows it to complement its larger sibling in bigger spaces, enhancing cleaning efficiency by tackling intricate areas.

INCREASING USE OF IoT

We’re also predicting the increased use of IoT across a range of more traditional, non-autonomous machines and equipment. For example, RFID tags on smart vacuum cleaners or trolleys could track their location, usage duration, and timing, providing more detailed data on their operation. This could show, for instance, that a machine was in a specific area at a particular time and how long it was used there.

IoT can also enhance other FM areas such as lifts, security, and lighting. In washrooms, for example, sensors could monitor soap levels, footfall, and more, enabling better resource planning and efficient cleaning schedules.

All these insights could be integrated into dashboards to increase transparency and boost cleaning efficiencies and productivity. It’s certainly an area we are activity exploring and monitoring.

FOLLOW-ME TECHNOLOGY

In addition to our robotic scrubbers, we’re also excited that we will shortly be introducing Follow-Me technology to our Exel multipurpose trolley, offering a lower-barrier entry point to automation for many in the sector.

Using a series of sensors and a motor, the trolley autonomously follows cleaning operatives carrying a remote control. The technology eliminates the need for operatives to constantly return  to their trolley and push it to the next location. It consequently minimises physical strain and allows operatives to clean ‘on the move’, boosting both productivity and job satisfaction.

The Follow-Me technology enabled trolleys will be particularly beneficial in environments where staff frequently move and carry equipment. For example, it can follow a cleaner while they mop or carry wet floor signs; it can even recognise and navigate around moving obstacles safely as it follows behind.

The Follow-Me technology is also incorporated into the META-SCRUB 45, allowing it to be directed by users to a specific spot-cleaning task, for example.

COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION

We’ve always been proud of our heritage while also being ambitious about the future. Robotics is undoubtedly set to play a critical role moving forward, and our combination of deep-seated cleaning expertise and commitment to innovation means we’re perfectly placed to lead the way.

We’re therefore excited to introduce the next phases of our robotics offering, helping professionals in the sector embrace the opportunities they provide to achieve better, more efficient results.