Given the increased focus on automated cleaning technologies, it is only a matter of time before robot technologies become a dominant force in the industry. As a matter of fact, there are already several different robotic cleaning instruments that have arrived on the market or are due to arrive soon.
With that being said, if you want to learn more about the upcoming shift in the climate of the industry, you’re in the right place. The following post will examine the current state of cleaning robot technology.
If, by the end, you decide you are ready to optimize your facility’s cleaning process, consider 360Clean. Our approach to cleaning is unique, effective, and affordable. Instead of simply focusing on how an area looks, 360Clean’s optimized process will ensure your facility is sterilized to the highest degree. We always make the health and safety of our client’s employees, and customers our first priority. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
Cleaning Robots Are Long Overdue
Those who grew up watching shows like “The Jetsons” know that cleaning robots have occupied a unique space in America’s collective imagination for quite some time, and though we have seen various automation trends emerge in the cleaning industry since the show’s run, the current moment represents somewhat of a renaissance in terms of creative exchange and technological availability. With that said, the industry is on the precipice of some major advancements that will have far-reaching implications for people from all walks of life.
What Is Fueling Robotic Evolution?
While the introduction of robotic devices into the cleaning industry is long overdue, it is important to examine why that actually is. The primary inhibitors that have stunted progress are cost and technological limitations, but given today’s labor shortages, safety needs, and consumer demand, the time is ripe for advanced robotic cleaning technologies.
Many of their current advancements were initiated in response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many workers withdrawing from their previous professions in search of something new. Additionally, the pandemic has given people new insights into cleaning and sterilization that we previously took for granted.
The constraints of the pandemic have also amplified the need for eco-friendly cleaning processes and cost-saving cleaning measures. After all, cleaning is something that is always needed, no matter the industry.
Types of Robotic Cleaning Devices
Floor-Cleaning Robots
When people think about floor-cleaning robots, the first image that likely comes to mind is the Roomba, and though they are certainly effective for small cleanup jobs in domestic spaces, today’s modern commercial floor-cleaning robots are much more robust and sophisticated, built to handle the arduous challenges that accompany cleaning a commercial space.
Some robots are designed to automatically clean over 200,000 square feet every day, which makes them perfect for a variety of operations in warehouses and other large facilities, like garages and art studios. They can get the job done quickly and efficiently thanks to their advanced ultrasonic detectors and laser scanners, which enable them to traverse the building with ease, safely staying out of the way of people and other obstacles whose placement in the facility often varies throughout the day.
Many of these robots can also be programmed to start themselves at a specific time, meaning they require very little maintenance to get going at the beginning of a cleaning schedule. When their job is done, many of them can dock themselves and refill their fluids without anyone having to lift a finger.
Window-Cleaning Robots
Many companies still rely on manual window cleaning services to ensure that they remain spotless and dirt-free throughout the day. Depending on the size of the facility, however, that could mean cleaners have to use a scaffold that lifts them high into the air, which not only makes the entire situation much riskier but could also potentially result in financial liability if anyone is hurt.
Fortunately, modern technologies are developing to the extent that manual window cleaning could be a thing of the past. Today’s automated window-cleaning robots can clean all types of windows, even curved ones, and they can traverse from one side of a building to another in almost no time at all. All you have to do is program them, flip the switch, and let them take care of the rest.
One of the most beneficial aspects of window-cleaning robots is their ability to traverse high locations with minimal risk to human life. You won’t have to worry about your workers falling from a scaffold or getting into other kinds of trouble while suspended in the air.
With all of that being said, however, and despite the fact that these types of robots are certainly handy, there are still several hurdles that need to be crossed before the robots can reach their full potential, which is something today’s researchers are aware of and currently working to optimize.
Duct-Cleaning Robots
Cleaning ductwork can be an arduous task for any human, and when cleaning without robots, many business owners have to cut access points across their facility, slowing business operations and delaying crucial processes across your enterprise. Additionally, depending on the nature of your business, cutting access points for a prolonged period of time could put employees and customers at risk.
Fortunately, duct-cleaning robots are specifically designed to fit into compact spaces and clean them accordingly. Even if you suspect your duct system might be too complicated for basic automation, fear not, as many of today’s duct-cleaning robots feature cameras and remote control capabilities that allow users to guide them through ductwork to ensure that nothing is missed.
That allows for the customization of the cleaning process while taking the idiosyncrasies of the ductwork into account. Additionally, the cameras allow operators to inspect the ductwork as it is cleaned, which can save time and money while promoting a cleaner, safer facility.
Specialized Cleaning Robots
After examining different robotic cleaning technologies, it becomes clear that certain tasks are better suited for some robots than others. From a design perspective, that’s because each type of robot has been optimized for a specific area.
For example, hospitals require a decisively different approach to cleaning than the average warehouse, given that they are subject to strict regulations and legal requirements that must be adhered to in order to protect the public. In cases like these, specialized cleaning robots can take the reins.
Two types of specialized cleaning robots that can be used in conjunction with any of the robots described above are as follows:
UV Disinfection Robots
In the healthcare industry, the use of UV disinfection methods results in a cleaner facility in a shorter amount of time, but UV rays are capable of producing harmful radiation that can endanger anyone in their proximity.
Thankfully, these risks are precisely when UV disinfection robots can come in handy. These types of robots make use of pulsed xenon UV light to swiftly and safely rid the target environment of germs and bacteria. Hospitals love them because they keep their staff and patients safe while automating a significant portion of the cleaning process.
Since they are not manually operated, UV disinfection robots can use all the power of UV radiation they need without posing a threat to humans. However, when it does come time to clean, you’ll still want to make sure all personnel clear out of the area before initiating the cleaning process.
Bathroom Cleaning Robots
No matter the industry, odds are your facility has a set of restrooms that, due to the nature of the space, need to be cleaned every day in order to prevent the spread of harmful germs and bacteria. While a janitor can certainly keep a low-traffic restroom clean throughout the work week, the process becomes much more complicated if the room sees an excessive amount of traffic.
Fortunately, bathroom cleaning robots are optimized to automatically clean all spaces within, including floors, sinks, and toilets, and once they have finished their cleaning, all you have to do is wipe the areas down with an antimicrobial wipe to ensure they are sterile.
When using these types of robots, always follow the instructions listed in the manual before attempting to clean the robot to fully ensure your product maintains a long life that you can benefit from for years to come.
Take Your Cleaning to the Next Level with 360Clean
If you are ready to take your cleaning to the next level, reach out to 360Clean today. Our proven JaniMed® Cleaning System is sure to optimize your daily operations by facilitating a spotless, germ-free facility that is safe for you, your customers, and your employees.
When it comes to minimizing the presence of germs, our optimized processes, hospital-grade disinfectants, and advanced cleaning technologies leave no stone unturned. We also focus on touch surface disinfection, a process that can help keep everyone in your facility safe from germs and other microorganisms that can otherwise spread in common areas.
To learn more about our commercial cleaning services, contact us today for a free quote. Thanks for stopping by our blog; we hope to help you soon!