Co‑Botics Vs Robotics -
Will Human Cleaners Disappear From The Workplace By 2035

Ryan Smith, Product Design Engineer at Victor Floorcare explores the role of robotics in floorcare maintenance, highlighting the benefits and challenges, and how prioritising a human‑robot collaboration might improve efficiency.

There’s a long history of robotic cleaners, starting as a concept in science fiction in the 1950s, to models being created as early as the 1980s. The technology wasn’t as advanced as it is now, which is likely why they never took off. But the interest in robot cleaners hasn’t waned, partly because not enough value is placed on the expertise of an experienced cleaner.

In recent years, the cleaning industry has witnessed significant technological advancement with the introduction of co‑botics and robotics. These automated cleaning machines have sparked debates about the future of human cleaners in the workplace.

We are starting to see robotic cleaners being rolled out in organisations like hospitals and shopping centres, where they play an important role in supporting maintenance staff, especially ones with high footfall and heavy cleaning requirements.

With detection and cliff sensors built in, they can avoid obstacles and suction dirt with high levels of accuracy. They can also nimbly move through desks and chairs without disruption, or you can set them to operate after hours, so staff don’t need to work antisocial shift patterns.

The fear of robots replacing humans is not a new one. But in fact, there is a labour shortage in cleaning, so robots help to plug that gap and reduce the reliance on agency cleaners, who can eat into your organisation's budget. Their assistance is incredibly valuable, so there is a greater push for collaboration with robots, a partnership referred to as ‘cobotics.’

The Future Of Robotics

Co‑botics, a term derived from 'collaborative robots,' represents a category of cleaning machines designed to work alongside human cleaners. Unlike traditional robots that operate autonomously, co‑botics are programmed to assist human cleaners in their tasks, focusing on maintenance cleaning.

These machines excel in repetitive and predictable cleaning tasks, such as vacuuming, mopping, and surface wiping. By taking over these routine duties, co‑botics free up valuable time for human cleaners to concentrate on more intricate and demanding cleaning assignments.

Save Time

The key to harnessing the full potential of co‑botics lies in integrating them seamlessly into existing cleaning workflows. By incorporating co‑botics for maintenance cleans, cleaning operatives can optimise their time and resources. With routine tasks handled by co‑botics, human cleaners can allocate their expertise towards deep cleaning and detail‑oriented tasks, ensuring a comprehensive and meticulous approach to cleanliness.

Control

Despite the promising potential of co‑botics, widespread adoption still faces several challenges. Quality, technology sophistication, and affordability remain significant barriers to the integration of co‑botics into mainstream cleaning practices.

Many businesses hesitate to invest in co‑botic technology due to concerns about reliability and effectiveness compared to traditional cleaning methods. Additionally, the upfront costs associated with acquiring and maintaining co‑botics can be prohibitive for some organisations.

A Better Balance

Despite their efficiency in maintenance cleaning, co‑botics have limitations when it comes to deep cleaning tasks.

Periodic deep cleans require a level of detail and precision that current co‑botic technology struggles to achieve. Human cleaners possess the ability to assess and adapt to various cleaning challenges, ensuring thoroughness and quality in their work.

This intricate attention to detail is crucial in maintaining high hygiene standards, particularly in environments like hospitals, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities.

Challenges With Robotic Cleaners

Naturally, facilities managers have concerns about the use of robotics in cleaning. Staff may be concerned about the training, your senior management team might be unsure of the high upfront and repair costs, and human cleaners will still be needed to clean areas like stairs, shelves or crevices.

Charging robotic cleaners can also take between three to six hours, and if it’s not done in advance, they will be out of action.

Although there is a high upfront cost, robots can deliver savings in terms of efficiency and plugging labour shortages. Staff can also be trained so they are comfortable with the new technology.

While robots can’t do it all, they can do a lot of the heavy lifting, reducing the workload for staff, and limiting their exposure to hazardous substances in certain settings.

While co‑botics continue to evolve and improve, it's essential to recognise that they will never completely replace human cleaners. The human element in cleaning goes beyond mere physical tasks; it encompasses judgment, adaptability, and problem‑solving skills.

Human cleaners possess the ability to navigate complex cleaning scenarios, respond to unforeseen challenges, and deliver a level of service that machines alone cannot replicate.

The debate between co‑botics and robotics versus human cleaners in the workplace is not about displacement but rather collaboration. Co‑botics offer tremendous potential to enhance efficiency and productivity in cleaning operations, particularly in maintenance cleans.

However, their limitations in handling deep cleaning tasks underscore the indispensable role of human cleaners. By leveraging co‑botics to streamline routine cleaning tasks, human cleaners can focus on delivering exceptional quality and attention to detail in their work.

The future of cleaning lies in the symbiotic relationship between human expertise and technological innovation, ensuring cleaner and healthier environments for all.