ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Cleaning technology is evolving rapidly. But some innovations are gaining more traction than others. We ask companies about the most significant technological breakthroughs of the past 25 years and find out how far these have benefited customers and enhanced cleaning efficiencies.

The march of technology has been relentless. Artificial intelligence, digital solutions and software have combined to bring about a transformation in cleaning - a discipline that was once a simple process involving little more than a mop, detergent and water.

But the journey has not been without its bumps in the road. Some early solutions such as PDAs and SMS staff-tracking systems came and went rapidly after smartphones made them redundant. Other innovations failed to take off due to low levels of staff engagement or a lack of understanding as to how they should work.

So which technological breakthroughs have been the most successful to date? And which were mere flashes in the pan?

Innovations that turn assumptions into hard evidence are the ones to have genuinely transformed cleaning, according to solutions director at Q3 Services Alex Gavrilovic.”IoT sensors and occupancy data have been game-changers because they allow us to see exactly how spaces are being used,” he said. “These kinds of insights affect everything - from deciding how often an area needs attention to optimising staff schedules and resources. It no longer becomes a matter of guesswork or a decision based on perception but is backed up by hard data.”

Robots have also reached a point where they can consistently deliver results at a cost that makes sense, he adds. “Early versions were often more of a gimmick than a help, but now they have been optimised they are reliable and quiet while also providing telemetric data that prove the work has been done.”

The benefits of technology are immediate and tangible for customers, he says. “Data-driven cleaning gives them confidence with no more arguing about whether a space looks clean and no more relying on anecdotal impressions,” said Gavrilovic. “They can see trends, measure performance and understand exactly where resources are being used most effectively. And this often means higher standards are attained without necessarily increasing costs, which is a powerful message for customers.”

Support not replace

Most end-users embrace technology when it is introduced to them in the right way, he adds. “It is about showing people that it’s there to support them and not replace them,” he said. “In my experience, teams quickly see the advantage. They spend less time on guesswork and managers have clear evidence to show that standards are being met. When people realise that technology is helping them to do their job better rather than making it redundant, it is generally welcomed.”

He believes the most successful innovations are not always the “flashiest”. “They are the ones that quietly add real value and stand up to scrutiny every day,” he said. “Think of the impact that sensors have had on our industry: they work in the background but have revolutionised how we complete our checks and receive data. That combination of measurable impact and reliability is what makes them genuinely transformative.”

Some cleaning technology innovations have proved less effective than others, according to Cleanology’s environmental, social and governance director Kate Lovell. “Early systems such as PDAs for on-site reporting, text message–based task management and standalone digital audit tools often failed to gain traction because they were unreliable or too complicated to use,” she said. “Some organisations also trialled RFID based washroom monitoring and basic ‘first generation’ robotics. But these systems struggled due to their high cost, lack of flexibility or a poor level of integration with existing processes.”

In some cases end users have been resistant to engage with the technology, she adds. “This might be because the systems seem too complex or because they offer limited visible benefits,” she said. “Perhaps they require staff retraining or lead to a disruption to service.

“And some staff members might perceive them as being temporary or trend-driven. However, most end-users learn to understand and embrace new technologies with the aid of clear communication, training and demonstrations.”

Cleanology uses time and attendance solutions designed to eliminate fraud, protect lone workers and provide real time monitoring. “We’ve also developed our own digital platforms that streamline task management and reduce paperwork,” said Lovell.

Digitalisation, IoT and data-led decision?making has brought about a profound shift in the cleaning industry, says Essity communications director Jenny Turner. “What began as basic monitoring tools has evolved into advanced, integrated solutions capable of transforming the efficiency and quality of facility management,” she said. “These allow teams to respond to real needs, optimise staffing and ensure consistently high hygiene standards.”

Fewer complaints

Higher cleaning quality, greater control and fewer complaints are among the advantages of these types of technologies, she says. The company’s Tork Vision Cleaning uses data from connected dispensers, people counters and sensors to predict cleaning needs.

The most successful technologies are those that provide clear, actionable insights without adding complexity, according to Turner. “Once teams experience the simplicity of these types of tools their engagement levels are high,” she said. “Some initial caution is natural, but resistance typically fades once users see the practical advantages.”

Today’s technological innovations allow for real-time monitoring, more efficient operations and improved accountability, according to ABM business and industry managing director Campbell Murdoch. “This has fundamentally evolved how services are being delivered and measured,” he said.

“The evolution also mirrors broader industrial trends such as IoT deployment, cloud-based fleet management, robotics and predictive maintenance systems which are now embedded in many operators’ platforms.”

Fundamental evolution

Success depends on adoption, a clear return on investment and seamless integration, he says. “Ultimately any technology that makes teams more efficient is a success,” said Murdoch. “For example, sensor-based washroom monitoring, consumable tracking and occupancy-triggered cleaning models are incredibly effective. Being able to ensure that your operations are aligned with usage and are reducing consumable waste is a huge benefit – particularly in high footfall areas such as airports, offices, entertainment venues and healthcare.”

End-users are generally very receptive to technology, he said. “The benefits are vast: transparency, real-time reporting, proof of service, audit trails, efficiency, reduced waste, labour optimisation and consistency to name but a few,” he said. “But naturally, any change takes some adjustment and it is our job to bring teams on that journey with us.”

The company’s ABM Connect offers data intelligence offering actionable metrics, reporting and KPIs. It has been designed to improve accuracy, meet regulatory requirements and enhance operational efficiency in critical environments such as life sciences and healthcare.

According to Murdoch there are a number of factors that could lead to technology not quite hitting the mark. “If cost savings are unclear or intangible, adoption will stall – and if the technology is too complex or difficult to use it won’t be embraced,” he said.

The most successful technological innovations have been those that directly address labour shortages and improve operational efficiency, according to Kärcher’s chief technology officer Marco Cardinale. “There has been a massive leap in robotics from the experimental stages to reliable, autonomous machines that can handle repetitive tasks with consistent quality,” he said.

“Advancements in battery technology, workforce planning and fleet management solutions have also been game-changers. However, the real success lies in the shift towards offering a perfectly harmonised set-up where machines, accessories and cleaning agents work together for the 
best results.”

Technology should provide maximum efficiency with minimum management effort, he says. “Modern robotic solutions and ergonomic designs reduce physical strain and allow staff members to focus on more complex tasks,” said Cardinale. “These advancements lead to a lower total cost of ownership and support sustainability goals. And end-users embrace these systems because they feel more appreciated through professional, user-friendly and modern equipment that simplifies their daily routine and frees up time for more productive tasks.”

Innovations that fail tend to focus on a technical gimmick without considering the broader practical workflow, he says. “For instance, isolated digital tools of the past that did not form part of an integrated system simply added administrative layers,” he said. “An innovation only takes off if it provides an immediate practical advantage in solving a specific cleaning task - such as making a machine more durable and ergonomic or enhancing it with autonomous capabilities that actually save time.”

Kärcher offers high-performance machinery, advanced battery platforms and tailored cleaning agents supplemented by connected cleaning elements.

Success is a matter of rigorous customer orientation, according to Cardinale. “If a system is too complex or doesn’t solve a specific problem, staff engagement will remain low,” he said. “We have found the highest level of acceptance is reached when we offer a complete, intuitive solution where the machine is perfectly matched with the cleaning agent and the ergonomics. Whether it is a manual machine or a highly-advanced robot, if a tool doesn’t make the job easier or more efficient it won’t be adopted in the long run.”

So, what technological breakthroughs of the future are likely to tick all the right boxes? Essity’s Jenny Turner believes the industry is moving towards even more intelligent, interconnected and autonomous environments. “We expect developments in predictive cleaning powered by AI that can forecast cleaning and refill needs before they arise,” she said. “We also expect interfaces to become even more intuitive so that they can further bridge language and literacy barriers. And new digital 
tools that quantify and minimise resource use will help organisations of the future to meet their environmental targets with confidence.”

Q3 Services’ Alex Gavrilovic believes we are moving towards a cleaning environment where technology is far more embedded in day-to-day operations. “I expect to see robotics and mechanised equipment taking on a much larger proportion of those more routine, repetitive tasks - particularly on hard floors and large areas,” he said. “Machines will also become more versatile, quieter and easier to use, while data collection and telemetrics will continue to professionalise the industry.”

ABM’s Campbell Murdoch anticipates further integration of AI into facilities management operations. “We expect to see systems that integrate occupancy, sensor, weather and event data,” he said. “Future platforms will use AI image recognition for cleanliness scoring, automated compliance auditing and continuous verification systems.”

Demand-driven service

The future lies in demand-driven cleaning systems that act as part of a ‘Smart Building’ ecosystem, says Kärcher’s Marco Cardinale. “We envisage breakthroughs in AI-driven resource management and even more sophisticated ergonomic designs that improve the daily workflow,” he said.

Technologies that genuinely enhance quality, sustainability and efficiency will be tomorrow’s biggest breakthroughs, says Cleanology’s Kate Lovell. “Advancements in autonomous robotics will continue to offer consistent results in busy, high traffic environments while freeing up staff members from taking on the more repetitive tasks,” she said.

“Advanced technology such as sensors, connected equipment and real time data dashboards will deliver a more transparent clean for customers. And developments in nanotechnology and biotechnology will allow companies to clean more effectively with fewer chemicals and a lower environmental impact.”