ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Robots, digital systems and smart solutions have all been developed to improve cleaning efficiency. But how much time does technology actually save the cleaner, asks ECJ?

SENSORS, DIGITAL SYSTEMS and cleaning robots have all entered the market over recent years with the aim of taking the hard graft out of cleaning. However, all these solutions need to be correctly installed and set up if they are to work properly. And of course, cleaning operatives need to be taught how to use them.

So, how far does the set-up, training and troubleshooting involved eat away at the potential time-saving gains?

Most smart cleaning systems save a significant amount of time, according to LionsBot branding and marketing manager Sherilyn Quek. “By automating routine tasks they allow staff to focus on value-added jobs that require more attention, thus optimising the cleaning process,” she said.

However, time-savings gained will vary according to the product, application and environment in question, she says. “Our own robotic cleaners are designed to significantly reduce the time spent on routine tasks because they operate autonomously over large floor areas without supervision,” she said. “They can clean up to 4000 square metres an hour while cleaners work on other areas such as railings, table tops and door knobs. And this results in monthly savings of between 40 and 120 man hours.”

Time must be invested in these solutions, she admits. “There could be a need for staff training, for instance, while some technology-related issues could also arise,” she said. “However, our machines have a user-friendly interface and require only 30 minutes’ training. And we offer customer training and support to ensure a smooth integration into existing routines.”
LionsBot’s robotic vacuums and floor scrubbers are said to offer advanced navigation and cleaning capabilities, while cleaners can control the entire robot fleet and access cleaning reports via their mobile phones.

Sensor technology is a game-changer in commercial cleaning according to Cleanology CEO Dominic Ponniah. “By determining which floors of a building are occupied and which are not, companies can significantly reduce the hours required for cleaning,” he said.

“Digital systems also allow staff to record their work so that clients can see what has been done and what hasn’t. And smartphones offer real-time feedback on anything that needs doing on site.
“We also rely heavily on tablets and software to monitor cleanliness and flag up potential issues as well as scheduling in reminders for periodic deep cleans.”

Planning critical

He adds smart systems can actually cost companies time in some cases, however. “Technology is great when it works but when it goes down it can cause significant disruption,” he said. “So planning for that scenario is a critical part of implementing technology in the first place.”

Problems could also occur due to bugs in the system or internet connectivity issues, he says. “Such problems could require lengthy troubleshooting, while in an industry known for its high staff turnover the training of personnel in using the technology also needs to be considered,” said Ponniah.

“However, many people now believe that technology helps to reduce staff turnover while also making roles easier and more interesting for operatives.”

Cleanology is increasingly using technology in its day-to-day operations, he says. “We will soon be rolling out a sensor technology trial that will enable us to track office occupancy and determine which spaces require cleaning,” he said. “We also use a central software platform to schedule our team hours. Employees need to sign a job card as proof of service delivery and upload ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos.”

Cleanology’s IT team has also developed a custom app featuring facial recognition technology to protect lone shift workers and resolve attendance issues.

Smart cleaning solutions can provide efficient route planning, remote monitoring capabilities, predictive maintenance and data-driven insights, says Gausium’s global business development director Peter Kwestro. “They also minimise manual labour and increase productivity by automating routine tasks,” he said.

“Remote monitoring allows cleaners to address issues from a central location, reducing the need for a physical presence. And predictive maintenance helps to prevent equipment breakdowns, minimising downtime and maximising efficiency.”

However, he says challenges can arise when employees are reluctant to adopt the technology. “Addressing resistance to change requires encouragement, training and support,” he said. “But our robots have user-friendly interfaces that allow staff to easily navigate and programme them without any special technical skills.”

Shortage of staff

The shortage of skilled staff in many countries has made technology crucial to reducing time-consuming activities such as floor cleaning says Kärcher’s robotics product manager Alina Seitter.
“Robots are becoming more important in a range of environments including supermarkets, hospitals and airports,” she says. “Floor cleaning is a time-intensive activity that is also strenuous for cleaners. So the aim of robots is to minimise the need for human intervention.”

Many robots will now take themselves to the docking station, she says. “Once there they will recharge and take on more cleaning solution without the operators having to do anything,” she said. “And scrubber dryer robots can now clean right up to edges of surfaces without the need for any additional manual work.”

The use of autonomous machines allows cleaners to perform more complex tasks for which they previously had little time, she says. “Web portals also provide cleaning records so there is no need to manually initiate or check the cleaning process on site,” she said.

She adds some cleaners have inhibitions about operating robots, however, despite the fact they have become easier to use. “Every user can now create, correct or combine routes without technical support thanks to improved sensors, higher data quality and modern operating concepts,” she said. “And animations are available with clear instructions to make maintenance as user-friendly as possible.”

However, smart systems require attention and expertise in some situations, according to Seitter. “For instance, setting up a robot requires a certain level of knowledge – but this will be explained to the operative during the deployment process,” she said. “And there might be a need for an occasional intervention if cleaning has not been completed due to unexpected obstacles in the robot’s way such as closed doors or blocked pathways.”

Kärcher’s KIRA B 50 autonomous scrubber dryer features an optional docking station. The company also offers a web portal that provides status information, cleaning reports, mobile notifications and other remote functionalities.

Reduce cleaning hours

Data-driven operations can help to reduce cleaning hours by at least 20 per cent according to Essity’s communications director Jenny Turner. “It has also been demonstrated to eliminate an average of 24 per cent of rounds while improving cleaning quality,” she said.

Essity’s Tork Vision Cleaning combines software with connected devices to provide real-time data on visitor traffic and dispenser refill levels. This enables staff to anticipate cleaning needs and reduce dispenser checks by up to 91 per cent, says Turner. “This equates to time savings of hundreds of hours a year, freeing up cleaners’ time to carry out more critical tasks.

“The technology also helps staff to optimise their time by eliminating unnecessary over-cleaning.”
Sensor technology also enables Principle Cleaning Services to deploy its teams more efficiently according to commercial director Matt Kuwertz. “We are now servicing areas at frequencies that reflect real time usage rather than simply following a pre-set routine,” he said.

“As a result, we avoid making unnecessary journeys to washrooms that don’t need servicing and instead focus on those that do. And this means we can deliver consistent service levels throughout the building at all times of the day.”

However, he believes sensor technology is not suitable for every environment. “Scale is needed to create meaningful opportunities, which means larger sites will see a greater benefit,” he said “Cobotic machinery can also save time in the right environment. “But it’s only when we are able to utilise them multiple times a day that the real benefit is realised.”

He says cleaning robots do occasionally require human intervention, however. “There’s always the possibility of technical issues, while time also needs to be invested in training. And malfunctions can sometimes occur due to a robot’s inability to react to changing circumstances. Our teams offer real value here by dealing with the unexpected.”

No-one can afford to ignore the advantages that available technologies now offer in Kuwertz’s opinion. “Sensors have improved the available solutions and they are now discreet and don’t require hard-wiring or access to WiFi – both barriers that have been overcome in recent years,” he said. “And cobotic machines have also come a long way in terms of functionality and price.”

Principle uses a range of automated machinery and sensors designed to monitor footfall. The company’s 3D mapping platform enables it to manage its vertical cleaning operations and report building defects and facade condition.

Fluctuating office occupancies have presented new challenges for cleaning teams, says SoftBank Robotic’s head of marketing Louise Goldsmith. “Cobots can be used in meeting rooms and common areas on lower occupancy days without the need for cleaning teams to come in and complete a full inspection or an unnecessary clean,” she said.

“Smart sensors installed in washrooms, meeting rooms and other high footfall spaces can also collect occupancy data to inform teams on when or how a cleaner needs to be deployed. And manual checks take time, so having live data means staff can be allocated to higher-priority or more specialist tasks.”

Opportunities to upskill

Some training might be required before a cleaner deploys a cobot or understands the data from smart sensors, she says. “However, these upskilling opportunities are long-term investments in improving the overall quality of service,” she said.

New from SoftBank is SmartBX which integrates robotics, artificial intelligence and automation. It aims to help providers leverage data collection and analysis to enhance cleaning levels.

So, do the time-saving benefits of smart cleaning systems generally outweigh the disadvantages in terms of training requirements, technological glitches and malfunctions?

Peter Kwestro says they do. “When routine tasks are automated it boosts productivity and frees up valuable time for more meaningful work,” he said. “While there may be some teething issues such as training and technological glitches, the long-term advantages make embracing smart cleaning a smart move.”

Kärcher’s Alina Seitter also believes the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. “Autonomous machines are a great relief for cleaners, particularly when carrying out time-intensive and monotonous tasks,” she said.

And LionsBot’s Sherilyn Quek concurs. “The efficiency gains, long-term cost savings and improved cleaning standards they provide offer significant value, making the initial investment in time and training well worth it for both cleaning staff and the organisation,” she said.