Cleaning robots are most effective in long hallways and large rooms.
At Xcel Robots, we understand cleaning well. Several of our people have been there, done that back in an era when they were called janitors. The current euphemisms – maintenance or environmental service workers – doesn’t change the fact that this is unpleasant, repetitive and sometimes dangerous work.
Many university custodians struggle to finish their assignments during their shift. This means that they focus on what students and teachers notice – the floors. They tend to neglect the invisible germs on desks, doorknobs, sinks and countertops. With floor cleaning robots, workers are freed to perform high value tasks such as sanitization. The payback is immeasurable – less illness and absenteeism. Robots turn in their homework without cheating every day. Administrators can view the reports and verify that everything was cleaned.
Worker turnover decreases and employee morale improves as robots perform the worst tasks without griping to their coworkers. Managers and Human Resources have fewer worries about staffing shortages when robots come to the rescue. Robots, however, are not replacements for people. They are an assistive technology – like computers and cell phones – that make jobs easier, which ultimately helps organizations to fill open positions. While there is often a long purchasing cycle that starts with budgeting, the financial justification is straightforward.
Cleaning robots are most effective in long hallways and large rooms. Management can count on consistently spotless performance with minimal supervision. Robots are highly efficient cleaning machines that thoroughly clean their assigned territories. Depending on the model, they may perform up to four functions – vacuuming carpets, scrubbing floors, dust mopping and sweeping. Because they are available 24/7/365, scheduling them is never an issue. Robots don’t have to race through their assignments; they can work all night in the dark. Wet floor signs can be reduced or eliminated. Students and staff don’t need to be inconvenienced. The risks from slips and falls are reduced.
Robots work safely around people. They navigate around obstacles with sophisticated navigation systems. They may use stereovision, LiDAR, lasers and ultrasonic sensors for guidance. Some models may also allow manual operation which is handy for responding to accidental spills.
Robots can be programmed to return specific areas as people drag in mud and snow or spill liquids. The only break they need is to empty their water tanks and charge their batteries. Batteries can be swapped and tanks can be emptied manually. However, even these tasks can be automated and done quickly without human intervention. Technology can enable remote monitoring of a fleet of robots.
Housekeeping services need to move linens from the laundry to student rooms. Whether it is sheets and pillowcases or blankets and bedspreads, robots with optional shelves or laundry baskets can traverse elevators and carry large loads to and from storerooms. With capacities of up to 650 pounds and speeds up to 200 feet per minute, they can make quick work of large projects. But robots don’t have to race through their assignments; because they are available 24/7/365, they can even work all night in the dark. The only break they need is to charge their batteries. Batteries can be swapped manually or automated and charged without human intervention.
While most universities have cafeteria-based food services, if the kitchen is not next to the lunchroom, food delivery robots may be a valuable tool to move large quantities of food to a distant location quickly.
If a school needs to frequently distribute supplies or deliver mail to offices and classrooms, an enclosed robot with security features may be an effective alternative to an employee pushing a cart around the facility.