How to Get the Most From Cleaning Robots
Cleaning robots are changing the way companies manage their workspaces. They offer a variety of capabilities that can be tailored to different industries. To get the most from these smart machines, choose models that are reliable and have cellular connectivity that offer remote troubleshooting as well as data reporting.
Select a model with spot or zone cleaning capabilities to eliminate messes on demand. It's also a good idea to regularly clean and remove the brushes (and any corner or edge brushes) of your robot vacuum to avoid hair that is tangled.
Autonomous Cleaning Robots
Robots that are autonomous can clean, sweep and sanitize areas without constant human interaction. They also adapt to different environments and can handle tasks that would be too for a human team to handle. These robot cleaners will save you time and money, freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.
While the most familiar type of autonomous cleaning robot is a home vacuum or robotic floor scrubber, there are a myriad of professional-grade machines that provide far more features than their consumer counterparts. For example, industrial-grade autonomous cleaning robots are able to tackle huge warehouse floors, as well as other soiled indoor spaces. They can be programmed to clean areas where humans aren't allowed to go. Wall-climbing technology, and other tools can be used for safer operation in small areas.
They are equipped with a variety of sensors, such as cameras and mapping programs that assist them to identify rooms and avoid obstacles. Some utilize AI to learn from their customers and adapt accordingly, increasing efficiency as time passes.
These systems can be integrated with other smart devices, resulting in an even more efficient and connected facility. Many of these robots use less energy and biodegradable cleaning products, which makes them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective to run. A majority of these robots have been designed to work in conjunction with other automated systems such as building automation and material handling systems.
It's worthwhile to invest whether you require just one unit or a fleet of units, in this revolutionary technology to increase the productivity and performance of facility operations. The reduced need for manual labor, improved operator security, and longer lives of clean surfaces will help you make your investment pay off fast.
The outbreak is a great time to begin exploring ways you can incorporate these advanced cleaning robots into your regular maintenance routine. This is an excellent way to show your team that you are advancing your cleaning program, and also reduce the chance of contracting. Choosing the right robotic cleaners that are autonomous for your requirements will ensure that you get most value out of this investment.
Robotic Vacuums
Robot vacuums make use of sensors to detect obstacles and help them navigate their way around the home. Certain models are equipped with infrared sensors similar to those used in self-driving vehicles which create an imaginary map of the home. Other models use cameras to detect objects and avoid them, which results in a clean and efficient cleaning with less user intervention. These sensors allow you to choose an area of your home to be used for cleaning with the on-board controls, or a smartphone application. Some models allow you to control the robot using voice commands. You can choose to clean one room or have it hug your walls for a perimeter cleaning.
While robot vacuums are great for picking up dirt embedded in carpets and rugs, they're not able to get deep into pet hair clumps and other messes that require more than a simple sweep. They also don't pick up dust that is close to baseboards and other edges, which requires a more thorough cleaning than what you can receive with a standard canister or upright vacuum.
When selecting a robot vacuum choose a model with a powerful suction mechanism as well as brushes designed to collect dirt and debris from surfaces. The best models also include features such as object identification technology, customizable settings and pet mode. Go through the manual to determine the recommended maintenance intervals. Most models only require that you empty the trash, and wipe down the wheels, sensors and charging contacts.
The majority of the top robot vacuums and mop models we tested are compatible with smart home systems. You can control them via smartphone apps or digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can program a cleaning session, or begin one and set a timer to allow it to be completed while away. Some robot vacuums can pause cleaning sessions to recharge, and then return to where they stopped. However, many robot vacuums still don't work as well as traditional vacuums and in tight spaces and their small sizes make it difficult to move around furniture.
Robotic Floor Scrubbers
Robotic floor scrubbers differ from vacuum cleaners. Instead of using water to agitate the dirt and grime off hard surface flooring, they make use of water to dissolve it. They can be either powered by themselves, or controlled by a human. Most advanced models can automatically detect and navigate around obstacles which can reduce cleaning time. Some models incorporate an intelligent water management system, which recycles the same water for hours.
A robotic cleaner is a great option to supplement labor in areas with low staffing or high turnover rates. With a robot in the field, staff can concentrate their efforts on other critical tasks. In a hospital, that may mean ensuring that surfaces with high-touch like doors, countertops and bathrooms are cleaned and cleaned. In the retail store, it could be helping customers locate what they need and avoiding displeasure with smudges on windows and glass.
Robotic floor scrubbers can be programmed to operate at specific times and their cleaning route can be tailored with various modes to meet specific cleaning requirements. They can also be monitored in real-time, allowing managers to oversee their progress using the mobile app or web-based portal. Some manufacturers collect this data and make it available to users which allows them to pinpoint areas to improve.
The most basic models, which could cost as low as $100, have one reservoir of water and a static, Swiffer-like pad that spritzes and wipes off grime. The more advanced models have two rotating pads that sweep and mop floors, with self-emptying docks for dumping dirty water and refilling with clean solution. The most advanced mop-vacs for robots can differentiate between different kinds of flooring and can return to the dock to empty out any unneeded cleaning solution and clean their brushes, before refilling with fresh cleaning solution.
All kinds of cleaning robots are connected to a cloud-based system that gives highly detailed reports on their performance and use as well as precise productivity metrics and heat maps of the coverage areas cleaned, anomalies and other alerts. This information can be accessed remotely by facility managers and other staff members who have been granted access to the system.
Robotic Floor Mop
A robot mop can help you to keep your floors clean without having to touch them. These machines will clean your tile and wood floors in between deep cleaning sessions, and will keep dirt, pet hair, and other debris out of your. These robots work on all floors that are sealed that includes laminate, hardwood and vinyl. Most robot mops feature a timer that allows them to clean at specified intervals. You can also make use of the app to switch cleaning settings, create schedules, or track when maintenance is needed, such as replacing filters.
Robotic floor mops typically require a separate tank of water for mopping. It can be a challenge to empty and refill as the pads become dirty. Find a model with self-emptying docks or ones that is easily emptied when necessary.
Certain models also vacuum. However, you may have to empty the dustbin after each cleaning session, unless they have self-emptying platforms. If your floors are particularly dusty, you might have better results if you let the robot sweep and then mop.
Some robot mops let you add a cleaning agent to the water tank. This gives them an even more effective cleaning. It's important to only use cleaners that are recommended by the manufacturer, since using unauthorized ones can harm the machine or cancel the warranty.
Apart from allowing you start and stop the bot, certain apps let you create a map of your home and set up virtual barriers and no-go zones. Certain apps will inform you when your battery is low or when the mop needs to be washed.
Think about a hybrid robot like the Ecovacs Roborock Q Revo or Deebot. Both of them can save floor maps and track and automatically recharge if the battery is running low during the cleaning process. They also offer a number of other useful features like a remote stop and start button as well as an app that allows you to build an automated schedule for cleaning or monitor when the mop needs maintenance.