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LIVING WITH AI Hands-free machines bring great potential to cleaning industry by Jan Willem Tinge
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leaning technology has come a long way in recent years. While the mop is still used by many businesses to quickly clean floors, ride-on and walk-behind scrubbers are becoming mainstays because they are both effective and highly efficient. The latest wave of floor cleaning equipment brings domestic robotic devices to the commercial market. Larger in size, these hands-free machines run autonomously, helping cleaning teams achieve consistent results and improving productivity by reassigning workers to other key priorities beyond floor care, which is often time-consuming when done manually. They are also equipped with features that enhance safety for those in the vicinity of the machines, and are ideal for eliminating musculoskeletal strain on workers. In Canada, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for the most lost-time injuries, the highest lost-time claim costs and the most lost-time work days of any type of injury. Repetitive motions are one of the causes of MSDs. Until now, the standard advice for reducing MSDs has been to limit the amount that workers bend, twist and stretch by providing angled tools and battery-powered equipment. This can help but floors still need to be maintained every day to ensure high cleaning and visual standards. The better option is to use hands-free machines that reduce worker involvement in floor maintenance without sacrificing quality of service. Hands-free machines can also solve labour scarcity problems. The cleaning industry as a whole struggles with maintaining a consistent work force. High turnover is the result of monotonous tasks and the fact that
20 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / APRIL 2018
cleaning is not seen as an exciting job, especially by younger generations. However, attracting younger workers is essential as many baby boomers are exiting the workforce. Implementing hands-free machines provides a way to appeal to younger professionals who are interested in working with and alongside innovative technologies. In some cases, having hands-free machines can also serve as a marketing differentiator to set a company apart from its competitors and further entice potential employees or customers.
not only saves time but can also help reduce downtime and maintenance costs. Today, technology exists that allows machines to dispense the proper amount of cleaning solution and water onto the floor according to the speed of the machine. Controlling chemical use has a positive impact on both the environment and safety. For example, more accurate dosing reduces waste and the potential for injury-inducing slip-and-fall accidents that can occur when too much liquid is used to clean floors.
BUY IT RIGHT
THE WAY AHEAD
Today’s robotic machines have a number of capabilities to enhance the cleaning process. When selecting a machine, buyers should inquire about standard and added features such as built-in sensors, a fleet management system, cleaning solution flow technology, site performance tracking and the ability to conduct software updates. Sensors help machines avoid obstacles and staircases in their path. They also allow robotic machines to be more efficient because they don’t need operators to help them manoeuvre around objects and people. A combination of sonar, 2-D Lidar, touch shield sensors and floor detector sensors will ensure a safe and intelligent machine. It’s important for managers to be able to remotely access machine location, activity and critical service information when they are not on-site or in the same area as the machine. Having a fleet management system
Some people think that robots will eventually replace human roles in some markets. However, it’s more likely that autonomous floor care machines will continue to enhance the way that work is completed in the commercial cleaning industry. Looking ahead, manufacturers may focus on features such as anti-hacking systems, logfiles and enhanced energy consumption to encourage better battery management. For now, robotic machines are reliable and cost-effective teammates that are easy to use and maintain. Businesses that are considering purchasing a machine should research the features included and the benefits that the innovation will provide to their operations. In many cases, an autonomous cleaner is a smart investment that will not only put a smile on the faces of the cleaning team but also those of building occupants and visitors. /
Jan Willem Tinge is vice-president of the facilities and machines platform at Diversey, a leader in smart, sustainable solutions for cleaning and hygiene.