ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

In the age of the robot, to what extent can today’s hard floors be cleaned and maintained entirely by machines? Ann Laffeaty quizzes industry players on their views.

The future is here. Autonomous cleaning robots are increasingly being seen gliding around airports, shopping centres and other public facilities where they silently pick up the debris while diligently keeping out of people’s way.

So it seems that human cleaners have finally become redundant as far as floor-cleaning is concerned. Or have they? Are robots really the best way of keeping commercial floors in tip-top condition? Or are humans still vital for monitoring robots and for cleaning those awkward nooks and corners?

Modern machines can carry out almost every step of the floor-cleaning and care process according to Hako’s application technology trainer and consultant Klaus Serfezi. “This covers everything from basic cleaning and polishing to ongoing maintenance,” he said. “Innovative technology and cleaning programmes ensure consistently high levels of quality and efficiency.”

But while robots can be helpful and supportive, they cannot fulfil every task completely, he adds. “They may offer many advantages for large, open areas - for example, in terms of efficiency, productivity and personnel deployment,” he said. “However, they are most effective when integrated into a well-thought-out overall concept.”

Trained personnel

Robots and machines require trained human personnel for set-up, monitoring and follow-up work, he said. “This is particularly the case when it comes to cleaning in corners or under furniture or rectifying technical errors,” said Serfezi. “Here a human cleaner using a manual system is often the only option.”

Manual methods are flexible, inexpensive and ideal for use in small or awkward areas, he said. “Automated solutions require a higher initial investment, infrastructure adjustments and technical expertise,” he said.

Hako’s Scrubmaster B75i robot has a new docking station while the Scrubmaster B260 R offers additional functions such as an integrated high-pressure cleaner for greater user comfort. Also from Hako is the manual Scrubmaster B5 for use in smaller areas.

Today’s commercial floorcare machines are incredibly versatile according to Robert Scott sales director Alastair Scott. “Almost every type of hard floor from polished concrete and stone to vinyl and ceramic can be cleaned, polished and maintained using the right equipment,” he said. “Machines excel at covering large areas quickly and efficiently. However, intricate spaces, uneven surfaces or delicate finishes may still require a skilled human touch. The best results often come from a hybrid approach: using machines for the broad strokes and manual tools for the details.”

Robotic cleaners deliver consistent cleaning quality in large, open spaces, he says. “They work to set schedules while freeing up staff for more skilled or detailed work,” said Scott. “However, many facilities find that combining robotic cleaning with manual methods gives them the most flexibility and achieves the highest standards. It all depends on the cleaning regime, the type of space and the desired finish.”

He says people are still vital for monitoring robots, operating machinery and carrying out cleaning in nooks and corners. “And that is unlikely to change soon,” he said. “Machines are excellent at what they’re designed for, but humans provide the flexibility, awareness and problem-solving abilities to adapt to different conditions.”

Manual cleaning is often the best option in restricted or high-traffic areas where extra attention is needed, according to Scott. “It is also highly versatile since a mop and bucket can access places where even the smallest machine might struggle,” he said. “Manual methods are less costly to start with and require minimal set-up, making them a practical choice for many situations.”

As well as their higher initial cost, automated systems often also require training, maintenance and software updates, he said. Robert Scott is said to offer ergonomic, lightweight manual mopping systems along with robotic scrubber-dryers claimed to offer improved navigation, safety sensors and customisable cleaning schedules.

Machines can be valuable allies when it comes to cleaning large surfaces, according to Filmop’s business development manager Paolo Scapinello.

Manual advantages

“However, they cannot be used exclusively as this would present significant limitations in terms of precision and adaptability,” he said. “Manual equipment allows for targeted intervention and can be adapted to specific needs, reaching in every corner and easily bypassing obstacles. Their use therefore remains the most efficient solution and is essential if you want to achieve a thorough clean.”

Robots still have limitations that can only be overcome with the use of manual equipment, he says. “They move easily on large, smooth, uncluttered surfaces but have difficulties when faced with irregularities or obstacles and they struggle to reach corners and clean under furniture or in narrow passages,” he said. “They also need to be equipped with the right tools to effectively deal with different levels of dirt. And the help of a professional is required to choose the most suitable tool for the job.”

He says a trained operator is indispensable for evaluating the type of surface and the level of dirt in question. Filmop offers a range of products and systems along with training support.

Manual cleaning offers clear advantages in terms of operation and cost, says Scapinello. “Manual equipment is compact and versatile which means it can clean areas of any size and will quickly adapt to specific needs, overcoming the limitations imposed by machines,” he says. “It is also the ideal solution for urgent cleaning. And well-designed manual equipment made with quality materials allows for significant savings in water and chemicals, thus minimising the related costs.”

Filmop’s manual systems include the recently-patented Globo, which is said to adapt to needs of the cleaner. Globo consists of a touch-free foldable mop holder and mops with micro-flaps and is said to facilitate cleaning and protect the operator’s health.

Large areas

Kärcher’s robotics product management Alina Seitter believes robots offer significant advantages when used in large and uniform areas. “They can work autonomously, deliver consistently high cleaning quality and reduce personnel costs,” she said. “Digital systems also make an important contribution in recording the quality of cleaning performance. And fully autonomous robots offer the advantage of being able to clean at night without the need to deploy human cleaners.”

However, she adds that manual floorcare methods offer flexibility when cleaning complex surfaces or in cases of heavy, localised contamination. “They require a lower initial investment and are more adaptable to changing requirements,” she said.

“Automated solutions can incur higher purchase costs and require a certain infrastructure as well as staff training. Their efficiency is greatest on large areas but they may have limitations in complex environments or when being set up in a new location.”

Kärcher offers the KIRA B 50 and the larger KIRA B 200 autonomous cleaning robots for use in wide open areas. For manual and semi-automated cleaning the company’s advanced scrubber dryers are said to offer high efficiency and user-friendliness. Kärcher also offers a range of manual cleaning tools.

Upfront investment

Industrial Cleaning Equipment marketing manager Ria Ashford agrees that the vast majority of hard floor cleaning, polishing and maintenance tasks can now be performed effectively by machines.
“Advanced scrubber dryers, robotic machines and high-speed polishers allow facilities to achieve exceptional standards with minimal manual input,” she said. “At ICE we have seen a major shift as more businesses adopt robotic technology to streamline their cleaning operations.”

Modern robotics offer advanced sensors, AI navigation and real-time monitoring which allows them to clean safely, consistently and without the need for constant supervision, says Ashford. “This not only ensures high-quality results but also frees up cleaning teams to focus on more detailed or complex tasks,” she explained. “While occasional manual work may still be required for detailed or specialist applications, machine-based cleaning now leads the way in efficiency, consistency and sustainability.”

The higher upfront investment required for automated solutions can be off-putting for some, she says. “However, this cost is quickly offset by savings in labour, water and chemical usage along with increased operational efficiency and consistency in cleaning standards.”

“There can also be a learning curve when integrating automation into existing cleaning operations. Staff may require training and some adjustments to workflows might be needed. But with the right support, the transition can be smooth and highly rewarding.”

ICE Activ8 is said to increase productivity by up to 70 per cent while also improving posture and reducing fatigue. It is described as a multi-dimensional cleaning system for floors, glass, low-profile spaces, table-tops and edges and is claimed to offer savings in water and cleaning solution usage of 80 per cent.

So, is a human strictly necessary in today’s floorcare industry? Yes, says Ashford. “While technology has transformed floorcare, humans remain an essential part of the process,” she said. “The most effective cleaning strategies combine advanced machines with skilled operators and supervisors.”

Humans provide flexibility, experience and situational awareness - particularly when carrying out complex tasks in unforeseen situations, says Hako’s Klaus Serfezi. “They also provide quality assurance and ensure that the interaction of different cleaning solutions is optimised.”

Crucial skill

Kärcher’s Alina Seitter agrees that humans bring crucial skills to the floorcare industry. “While machines and robots can take on repetitive and large-scale tasks, humans can assess the degree of contamination, adapt the cleaning method to the requirements and offer flexibility in unforeseen situations,” she said. “Humans are also indispensable for strategic planning, maintenance and machine-monitoring as well as for cleaning hard-to-reach niches and corners.”

Robots require set-up, supervision and maintenance, says Robert Scott’s Alastair Scott. “This creates opportunities for cleaners to develop new skills and oversee more advanced equipment,” he said. “Manual cleaners excel at handling specialist tasks, responding to unexpected messes and ensuring that high-impact areas receive extra care.”

He believes it is unlikely that manual floorcare methods will be replaced by machinery for the foreseeable future. “While automation is advancing rapidly, there will always be situations where manual cleaning is more effective, faster or more cost-efficient,” he said. “The future is likely to be a partnership with machines doing the heavy lifting while humans add the finishing touches.”

Filmop’s Paolo Scapinello concurs. ”I don’t think manual equipment will be replaced by machines because it can be adapted to different needs and because it allows the operator to reach everywhere, bypassing any obstacles and ensuring an effective clean,” he said.