Several years ago, I met with the president of a company that manufacturers professional cleaning equipment. He had a collection of older machines the company had made over its 80-year history and one of them caught my eye. It was a floor machine that was about 25 years old. Why it caught my eye was not the fact that it looked old or anything like that. What got my attention was the fact that, at least at that time, the machine looked and operated so much like the floor machines manufactured at that time.
Well, all that has changed. You’ve likely heard it before, but the professional cleaning industry is changing fast, and we see this most in the type of equipment being introduced. These new machines are invariably “greener,” use less water and energy, helping to promote sustainability, and they think. At least, they think in their way.
What we are talking about is what is known as artificial intelligence (AI) or information technology (IT). Always capitalized, These terms are always capitalized and once referred almost exclusively to computers and computerized networking systems. But today, they often apply to equipment that can perform specific tasks autonomously, without anyone directly operating the machine or at the controls. *
It’s not that these systems “think” as much as they “remember.” Once they are shown how to do something, they remember how to do it over and over again. The best example is floor machines such as scrubbers. Mega-stores around the world have been testing these systems and initial reports are they are proving their value.
How They Work
Different manufacturers are introducing their own AI/IT floor machines. And while there may be differences between the brands, for the most part, the essence of these machines is quite similar. The machines are equipped with cameras, sensors, a navigational mapping system, and a data storage device. In some cases, this could even be a thumb- or flash-drive.
Cleaning workers “teach” the machine how to clean specific areas, for instance, the aisles in a retail store. Once educated, the floor machine now knows what to do, what cleaning tasks are expected, and where they are to be performed.
But what if the cleaning area changes? What if something or someone is in the pathway of the machine? What if there are solid objects on the floor?
If the actual cleaning area has changed, the system may need to be re-educated. However, if it encounters obstacles or something unexpected or unusual in its path, these are typically discovered by the machine’s cameras or sensors, the machine will come to a halt, and an operator will be notified of the issue.
As you can imagine, the significant benefit of an AI/IT floor machine is cost savings. Yes, these machines may cost more to purchase than a traditional – non-thinking – floor machine, but the return on the investment can be relatively quick. Once that happens, these machines can pay dividends for years.
What’s Coming Up?
The best way to keep up with AT/IT is to attend the industry tradeshows whether conducted by ISSA/INTERCLEAN Latin America or some of the locally produced shows. Manufacturers are eager to show off their new machines at these tradeshows.
Also, be on the lookout for the following new systems and technologies in coming years:
- Systems that can help monitor the cleanliness of restroom fixtures and send out real-time alerts, either by text or email to smartphones or other devices that a restroom needs cleaning attention. Some systems will be able to check for things such as malodors, if floors or counters are overly wet, how many people have used the restroom, when they used the restroom, etc. The goal is to help keep the restroom clean and healthy throughout the day.
- Also in restrooms, some devices are expected to send real-time alerts to cleaning workers or managers when paper supplies are low or empty or if soap or paper products need replenishing. These systems can also be programmed. In one restroom, if half a roll of toilet paper is all that is left, that may be plenty for a day or two. In another restroom, that may mean that toilet paper and other paper supplies should be checked as soon as possible.
- Systems that monitor cleaning workers are also coming online. They can tell when a cleaning worker has entered a facility or specific area in a facility and when they have left. This information can prove valuable in a number of ways and also help ensure worker safety.
- Not only can systems monitor cleaning workers, they can also monitor cleaning equipment, locate them anywhere in a facility, keep tabs on how often they are used, and if the system is due service or repairs.
- What if a light needs to be changed or there are fixture problems? Technologies are being introduced that help custodial workers and managers conduct “audits” of their facilities.
- Devices are expected to remind cleaning workers when to check specific areas for cleaning such as HVAC registers, light fixtures, etc., and provides them with information as to how many and where these registers or lamp fixtures are located, so none are overlooked.
Are These Technologies for You?
This all sounds very interesting and exciting. Many of AI/IT technologies will likely be put into service by building owners as well as cleaning contractors. However, for many contractors, the big question will be, do I really need them?
I work with cleaning contractors all over North and South America and this is invariably their big concern. A lot depends on what types of customers they have. Obviously, if they clean large facilities with lots of long hallways and hard surface floors requiring nightly cleaning, the answer is yes. The cost savings in labor can be significant.
On the other hand, in a smaller facility, a busy 24/7 location, possibly a small to medium sized school, the investment may simply not be right or worth the expense. Using state-of-the art by “non-thinking” cleaning equipment will likely be all that is needed.
There is another thing to consider as well and that is your staff. For instance, one of the mega-stores testing AI/IT floor machines admits that some employees are already concerned that the these machines will replace them.
This is an issue that will likely come up for cleaning contractors as well. However, in many cases, when “thinking” machines are introduced, it just means that cleaning workers can spend more time focusing on “higher-value” work. That keeps the facility cleaner and the customer happier.
Ron Segura is president of Segura Associates. His company works with organizations and cleaning contractors to help them streamline their operations as well as promote sustainability and healthier cleaning strategies. This allows them to function more effectively and efficiently and realize a cost savings. He can be reached through his company website at https://www.seguraassociates.com.
