How to Get the Most From Cleaning Robots
Cleaning robots are changing the way organizations manage their workspaces. They provide a range of capabilities that can be adapted to various industries. To make the most of these smart machines, search for models with reliable mobile connectivity that allows remote troubleshooting and data reporting.
Select a model that allows spot or zone cleaning, which allows you to clean areas that are prone to dirt on demand. It's also a good idea to regularly remove and wash the brushes (and any corner or edge brushes) of your robot vacuum to prevent tangled hair.
Autonomous Cleaning Robots
Autonomous cleaning robots can sweep, vacuum, and sanitize areas without the need for human intervention. They also can adapt to various environments and complete tasks that would be impossible for humans. Robotic cleaners can save time and money since they let your staff concentrate on other tasks.
While the most popular type of autonomous cleaning robot is a home vacuum or robotic floor scrubber there are a myriad of professional-grade models that offer many more features than their consumer counterparts. Industrial-grade autonomous robots, for instance, can clean large warehouse floors as well as other heavily-soiled indoor areas. They can be programmed to clean areas where humans can't go, using wall-climbing technology and other tools to ensure safer operation in tight spaces.
The majority of these robotic cleaning robots are equipped with a variety of advanced sensors, including cameras and mapping software that permit them to identify rooms and avoid obstacles. Some of them use AI to learn from their customers and adapt to their needs, increasing efficiency over time.
These systems can be integrated with other smart devices, creating an efficient and more connected facility. These robots are cost-effective and sustainable since they use less energy. In addition, many are designed to work with other automated systems, such as building automation or material handling systems.
Whether you need a single unit or a whole fleet, you should invest in this cutting-edge technology to improve the productivity and performance of your facility's operations. The reduced need for manual labor, improved operator security, and longer lives of cleaned surfaces will make your investment pay off fast.
The pandemic is a good time to start exploring how you can integrate these smart cleaning robots into your regular maintenance routine. This isn't just an opportunity to assist your team and reduce the risk of infection It's also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to the public that you're working to improve your cleaning regimen. You'll get the greatest return on your investment when you select the best autonomous robots.
Robotic Vacuums
Sensors help robot vacuums navigate their surroundings and spot obstacles. Some models utilize infrared sensors like those used in self-driving vehicles to create an interactive map. Others use camera-based sensors that identify objects and avoid them. These sensors also let you choose an area of your home to be cleaned with the on-board controls or via a smartphone application. A few models even allow you to control the robot with voice commands, letting you select to clean a specific area or have it hug the walls to do a perimeter clean.
While robotic vacuums are great for removing dirt that has accumulated in carpets and rugs, they aren't able to get deep into pet hair clumps and other messes that need more than just a quick sweep. They also aren't able to remove dust close to baseboards and other edges that require an extra thorough cleaning than what you can get with a traditional upright or canister vacuum.
When you are choosing a vacuum robot choose one with a strong suction mechanism and brushes that are designed to remove dirt and debris from surfaces. The best models also include features such as object identification technology, customizable settings, and pet mode. Check vacuum deals to see the recommended maintenance intervals. Most models only require that you take out the trash, clean down the wheels, sensors and charging contacts.
Most of the latest robot vacuums and mops we test integrate with smart home systems that allow you to control them with smartphone apps or digital voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can schedule or begin the cleaning process and set the timer to complete an entire level of your home even when you're not there. Some can even pause the cleaning session to recharge, and then resume right where they started. Many robot vacuums are still not as effective as traditional vacuums in tight spaces and on stairs. Their compact designs can also be difficult to navigate around furniture.
Robotic Floor Scrubbers
Robotic floor scrubbers differ from vacuum cleaners. Instead of using water to agitate the dirt and grime off flooring made of hard surfaces, they make use of water to dissolve it. They can either be self-propelled or operated by an operator. The most advanced models are able to recognize and automatically navigate obstacles, which reduces the time needed to clean. Some of them use intelligent water management systems, which recycle and reuse the same clean water for hours of continuous operation.
A robotic cleaning machine is a great way to boost the amount of labor available in facilities with low staffing or high turnover rates. Staff can concentrate on other important tasks when a robot is on the job. In a hospital, this could mean making sure that high-touch surfaces like doors, countertops and bathrooms are cleaned and cleaned. In a retail store, it may be to assist customers in finding what they're looking for and avoid customer frustration due to smudges and scratches on windows and glass.
Robotic floor scrubbers are programmed to work at certain times and their cleaning route can be customized with a variety of mode options to meet specific cleaning requirements. They can also be monitored in real time, allowing managers to oversee their progress through a mobile app or web portal. Some manufacturers collect this data and make it available to end users and allow them to spot areas of improvement.
Basic models can be purchased for just $100. They have a single reservoir of water and a static pad similar to a Swiffer, that spritzes and wipes off dirt. The more advanced models include two rotating pads to clean and mop the floor. They also have self-emptying docks that permit them to empty their water of dirt and refill with a fresh cleaning solution. The most elegant robot mop-vacs can even differentiate between types of flooring and return to their dock mid-clean to dump unused cleaning solution, clean their brushes and refill with fresh cleaning solution.
All types of cleaning robots are linked to a cloud-based system that gives highly detailed reports on their performance and use with precision productivity metrics, heat maps of the area cleaned as well as anomalies and other alerts. This data can be accessed by the facility manager, staff members and others who have been granted remote access to the system.
Robotic Floor Mop
A robot mop allows you to keep your floors clean without having to get them in touch. These machines will clean your tile floors and wood floors between deep cleaning sessions and will keep dust, dirt, pet hair, dust and other debris at bay. They work on most kinds of sealed flooring such as laminate, hardwood and vinyl. Most robot mops can be run on a timer to clean at specific times, and you can use the app to change cleaning settings, set up a schedule, or monitor when the mop requires maintenance, such as a filter change.
Robotic floor mops typically require a separate tank of water to mop. It can be a challenge to refill and empty as the pads become dirty. Find one with an automatic emptying dock, or one that is easy to empty manually when required.
Some models also vacuum. However, you may have to empty the dustbin after each cleaning session unless they come with self-emptying platforms. If your floors are particularly filthy, letting the robot sweep first and then mop may produce better results.
Some robot mops let you add a cleaning agent into the tank of water. This will give them the ability to clean more effectively. It is important to use only cleaners recommended by the manufacturer, since using unapproved ones could damage the machine or void the warranty.
Certain apps let you not just start and stop your bot but also create a map and set up virtual barriers or no-go zones. Some even let you know when the battery is running low and that the mop needs to be washed.
If you're looking for one unit that can do both vacuuming and mopping, you should consider a hybrid robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot X2 and Roborock Q Revo. Both of them have maps of your floors, and they'll track and automatically charge the batteries if they run low during cleaning. They also offer a number of other smart features including a remote start and stop button, as well as an app that allows you to set up an automated cleaning schedule or track when your mop needs maintenance.