How to Get the Most From Cleaning Robots

Cleaning robots have revolutionized the way organizations maintain their spaces with a range of capabilities that can meet the demands of various industries. To get the most benefit from these machines, look for models that have reliable cellular connectivity and offer remote troubleshooting.

Choose a model that offers cleaning capabilities for zones or spots to remove messes as needed. 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 tangled hair.

Autonomous Cleaning Robots

Robots that are autonomous can clean, sweep and disinfect areas without constant human interaction. They are also able to adapt to various situations and perform tasks that are impossible for humans. These robot cleaners can save time and money, freeing up staff to focus on more important responsibilities.

While the most familiar type of autonomous cleaning robot is a home vacuum or robotic floor scrubber (from the Gwrus blog) there are a myriad of professional-grade models that offer much more features than their consumer counterparts. For instance, industrial-grade cleaning robots can clean large warehouse floors and other heavily soiled indoor spaces. They can be programmed to clean areas where humans aren't allowed to go, by using wall climbing technology and other tools to ensure safer operation in tight areas.

The majority of these robotic cleaning robots have a range of high-tech sensors, such as cameras and mapping software that permit them to identify rooms and avoid obstacles. Some even use AI to learn the way they're used and adjust to improve efficiency over time.

These systems are intelligent and can be incorporated with other smart devices to create a more connected, efficient facility. A lot of these robots consume less energy and are biodegradable products, which makes them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective to operate. Additionally, they are designed to integrate with other automated systems, like building automation or material handling systems.

It's worth the investment, whether you need one unit or a group of units, in this revolutionary technology to increase the productivity and performance of facility operations. The less manual labor, the increased security, and longer lives of clean surfaces will help your investment pay dividends quickly.

The pandemic is a good time to begin exploring ways you can incorporate these advanced cleaning robots into your regular maintenance routine. This is an excellent way to demonstrate to your employees that you're improving your cleaning routine, and also to lower the chance of contracting an infection. Choosing the right autonomous cleaning robots for your requirements will ensure that you get most value out of this investment.

Robotic Vacuums

Sensors assist robot vacuums to navigate their homes and identify obstacles. Some models have infrared sensors, similar to the ones found in self-driving cars, that create an imaginary map of the home. Other models use camera-based sensors to identify objects and avoid them, which results in a cleaner environment without the need for user intervention. These sensors also allow you to choose an area of your home for cleaning robot price, either using the on-board controls or via a smartphone application. Certain models let you control the robot using voice commands. You can decide to vacuum your room or allow it to clean your entire surroundings by using the app.

Robotic vacuums are good to remove dirt from carpets and rugs, but they aren't able to get into pet hair clumps or other messes that require more than a quick sweep. They aren't able to remove dust close to baseboards or other edges. This requires a more thorough clean than you would achieve with a canister or upright vacuum.

When selecting a robot vacuum, choose one with a powerful suction and brushes that are designed to collect dirt from surfaces. The top 5 robot vacuum models also have features like object recognition technology, customizable settings and pet mode. You'll want to check the manual for recommended maintenance intervals, but most models require minimal or no maintenance beyond emptying the garbage and wiping the sensors, wheels, and charging contacts.

Most of the latest robot vacuum and mop models we've tested integrate with smart home systems that allow you to control them with smartphones or digital voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can plan a cleaning time or start one and set a date for it to be completed while you are away. Some can even pause the cleaning session to recharge and then resume right where they started. However, many robot vacs aren't as efficient as traditional vacuums and in tight spaces and their small sizes can be difficult to navigate around furniture.

Robotic Floor Scrubbers

Unlike vacuum cleaners, which are used to eliminate loose debris from carpets and floors, robotic floor scrubbers use water to move and dissolve dirt and grime from hard surface flooring. They can be self vacuum-propelled or operated by an operator. Most advanced models can automatically detect and navigate obstacles, which reduces cleaning time. Some use intelligent water management systems, which recycles and reuses the same clean water for hours of continuous operation.

Using a robotic cleaning machine can help to augment the amount of work in facilities that are not adequately staffed or are afflicted with high turnover rates. With a robot on the job, staff can concentrate their efforts on other critical tasks. In a hospital, this could mean making sure that high-touch surfaces such as doors, countertops, and bathrooms are clean and cleaned. In a retail shop it could be helping customers find what they are looking for and avoid customer frustration due to scratches and smudges on windows and glass.

Robotic floor scrubbers are programmed to operate at specific times and their cleaning schedule can be customized with various modes to meet specific cleaning requirements. They can be monitored in real time giving managers the ability to monitor their progress via mobile apps or web-based portals. Some companies collect these data and make them accessible to users to help them identify areas to improve.

Simple models can be purchased for just $100. They have only a single reservoir of water and a static pad similar to the Swiffer which sprays and wipes off dirt. The more advanced models include two rotating pads that can mop and brush the floor. They also have self-emptying docks that allow them to dump dirty water and refill with a fresh cleaning solution. The most stylish mop-vacs for robots can also distinguish between different kinds of flooring and return to their dock mid-clean to empty their cleaning solution and clean their brushes. They then refill with fresh cleaning solution.

All kinds of cleaning robots can be connected to a cloud system that gives highly detailed reports on their performance and use as well as precise productivity metrics and heat maps of the area cleaned, anomalies and other alerts. This information can be accessed remotely by facility managers and other employees who have access to the system.

Robotic Floor Mop

For a hands-off way to keep your floors clean, a robot mop is your best option. These machines will clean your tile floors and wood floors between deep cleaning sessions and keep dust pet hair, dirt dust and other particles at low levels. They can be used on all kinds of sealed flooring that include laminate, hardwood and vinyl. Most robot mops feature a timer that allows them to clean at set intervals. You can also make use of the app to alter cleaning settings, create schedules, or track the need for maintenance, such as replacing filters.

Robotic floor mops usually require a separate tank of water for mopping. It can be a challenge to empty and refill as the pads get dirty. Look for a model that has an automatic emptying dock or one that can be easy to empty manually whenever needed.

Some models can also vacuum, but you may need to empty the bin after every cleaning session (unless it has a self-emptying base). If your floors are particularly dusty, letting the machine sweep first, and then mop may yield better results.

Most robot mops only require tap water, but some allow you to add a cleaning solution to the water tank for extra-strength cleaning. It is recommended to only use cleaners that the manufacturer recommends. Unauthorized cleaners could damage your machine or void the warranty.

Certain apps let you not only stop and start your bot but also create a map and set up virtual barriers or no-go zones. Some will even notify you when the battery is running low and the mop has to be washed.

If you're looking for one robot that is capable of mopping and vacuuming, consider a hybrid robot, such as the Ecovacs Deebot X2 and Roborock Q Revo. Both of them can save maps of your floors and they can track and automatically charge if the batteries are running low during cleaning. They also offer a number of other useful features including a remote stop and start button as well as an app that lets you to build an automated schedule for cleaning or observe when your mop requires maintenance.