Cobots come to cleaning

Until recently, the debate around adoption of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been one of scepticism and uncertainty, with concern over potential job losses being high on the agenda. The view, too often reinforced by media channels, has been that robotic machines will take over from humans leading to increased unemployment in the cleaning sector.

As we progress through 2020, there are signs that the tide is beginning to change and that we are seeing a more informed  view of AI. Whilst there might well be job role changes in specific industries, the introduction of AI machines will help progress rather than hinder.

Man and machine working in harmony not in competition. Media reports continue to show there is virtually full employment in the UK and there is likely to be a continuing shortage of labour, so it makes huge sense to find autonomous solutions

We are already seeing much closer collaboration between humans and machines within the workplace, with robots and automation increasingly assisting with repetitive and time-consuming tasks which are a drain on productivity and staff engagement. Workers can be freed up to focus on higher value and more fulfilling tasks. The robot should be viewed as a co-worker or cobot.

Cobots are collaborative robots which can be programmed to carry out repetitive tasks which would otherwise be performed by a human employee. They work alongside individuals or teams. Cobots are instructed, controlled and managed by operators.

In the FM sector, organisations are looking to new technologies to deliver the efficiencies and improved performance that they so need to maintain a competitive edge. Contractors are now putting innovation at the forefront of their business plans, so cobots and AI need to be high up the agenda.

FM cleaning sector experts Hako have recently launched a range of robotic floor cleaning machines. One such machine in the range is the RoboScrub which represents the next generation of robotic floor care. Its advanced vision-based A.I. system enables the robot to navigate complex, real-world environments. The machine is designed to work safely and efficiently alongside employees and can still be used manually for ad-hoc situations.

Data reports

One of the most powerful benefits of the Roboscrub is provided by the data reports which include information about performance and utilisation. Reports include information regarding total manual and robotic usage. In addition, reports detail the time of day the robotic scrubber is being used and for how long. Valuable data which can help drive budgetary and operational decisions. It enables you to identify trouble spots, confirm compliance and determine if your staff need additional training.

Safety is, of course, paramount when operating an autonomous machine and the Roboscrub is designed with advanced sensors to prevent collisions and help stay clear of obstacles, people or abrupt changes in floor height such as stairs. To deter unauthorised use, while in self-driving mode the robotic scrubber will stop if anyone attempts to ride or operate it.

Furthermore, the stopping distance for the machine is approximately half that of a human operator, ensuring maximum safety at all times.

The BrainOS software can store up to 60 routes. The machine also benefits from being both a manual and autonomous machine. Route mapping is managed locally and performed by a trained operator therefore no engineer is required resulting in additional operational savings.

Future-oriented technological solutions are made for people. This is why we are focused on user-friendly operation and programming when it comes to the autonomous cleaning machine. One thing is certain, artificial intelligence is here to stay and and we need to embrace it and make it part of our future.