Cleaning robots need smart buildings - and human robot managers'

Under what conditions and where is the use of robotics in cleaning already economically viable today?
 The prerequisites for the economic use of robotics are barrier-free and contiguous areas with a specific regular cleaning cycle. The minimum size requirements for the area to be cleaned must be considered individually for each robot, similar to a conventional machine. Robots tend to be more economical in the small to medium segment and are therefore currently more realistic than large robots.

What would need to change?
 To ensure economic operation in the future, buildings in which robots could be used must become more intelligent. This means that simple communication interfaces must be created, for example to open doors or interact with lifts. It is equally important that the time slots in which cleaning can be carried out are dynamic, as a robot needs more time than a human with a machine.
 These adjustments to the building infrastructure, the redesign of work processes and the flexibility of operating times will reduce the amount of supervision required, make more cleaning space available and thus achieve success at all levels.

How will cleaning professionals have to adapt?
 The job profile of both managers in the cleaning industry and cleaning staff themselves will change. A certain affinity for technology such as robotics is a prerequisite, for example. We have already set the course for this at InfraServices and are training robotics managers in our new innovation centre who will provide support during implementation and regular operation.

Does Apleona have its own fleet of robots?
 At Apleona Infra Services, we rely on our own fleet of robots. One reason for this is that we can offer the right solution for our customers' requirements from a broad portfolio. We have many years of experience and a specialist department that regularly trains our managers and employees in this technology. In addition, we are responsible for the occupational safety of our employees. We ensure this through regular inspections and maintenance of the robots.
 

Under what conditions are robots already more sustainable than human cleaners?A major advantage is that cleaning is always performed to the same standard and there is no possibility of incorrect dosing of cleaning chemicals. Parameters such as water, suction power and energy consumption are always constant, which contributes to overall sustainability. From a social perspective, the monotonous, repetitive work takes the strain off our employees.
 

Where is the development heading – towards fully automated and autonomous cleaning robots or towards cobotics?Current models show that the development is taking both scenarios into account. The robots can be started manually or autonomously via a docking station according to a schedule. Despite both options, there are still peripheral areas, hard-to-reach places and surfaces that have to be cleaned manually. The robots also have to be cleaned occasionally during the cleaning process or intervene in the event of malfunctions. Therefore, the cobot approach, i.e. robots that work together with humans, will continue to exist for many years to come.