The cleaning sector is characterized by constant innovation. Even in the offline world, AI has already become a part of our everyday lives, such as with cleaning robots. These robots make use of algorithms and complex sensor technology to perceive their surroundings, recognize obstacles, and plan their routes. They are well suited to cleaning large floor areas in particular, for example in the form of automated floor scrubbers, intelligent vacuum cleaners, and mopping robots.
Cobots (collaborative robots) have an extremely important role to play in reducing employee workloads. They are able to take over recurring and monotonous cleaning tasks, freeing up their human colleagues to spend more time on other, more complex and time-consuming tasks, such as disinfecting elevated surfaces. Cobots are able to perform their tasks quickly, precisely, and reliably. Another advantage: they can be put to work at any time of day or night, which in turn helps to improve efficiency.
Cobots also facilitate resource-efficient cleaning. That is because manual cleaning frequently not only takes longer and requires more energy, but also involves the use of greater volumes of cleaning agents than are actually necessary. This is bad for the environment—and also throws a wrench into cost calculations. Special sensors make it possible for AI-based cobots to recognize particular conditions, such as the degree of soiling, and to customize the level of cleaning required.
Cobots collect data during operation and document their progress. This also allows cleaning companies to offer greater transparency to their customers. In addition, increasing automation and digitization even help optimize deployment planning. Thanks to the collection of real-time data, it is possible to make better predictions, such as regarding the amount of cleaning required according to the latest weather data.
While most people still view AI as something straight out of science fiction, artificial intelligence and collaborative cleaning solutions have long since become a part of our everyday lives. As a result, they also have an important role to play for the future of the cleaning sector. Those who take advantage of new technologies quickly can enjoy multiple benefits: AI increases efficiency, reduces costs, and boosts competitiveness.