How technology and innovation in cleaning is driving productivity and a better workplace experience

Cobots and cleaners: A collaborative force

Across 21 countries, ISS is deploying over 800 cleaning robots - known as cobots – that sweep, vacuum and scrub. But these aren’t there to be an interesting gadget, Trine says:

“We shouldn’t just implement a robot on site because the customer wants it or thinks it’s fancy to have a robot around. We should do it because it solves a problem and it has a wider purpose.”

As part of this aim, we’re launching Cobot Framework which is an extensive process to address areas such as whether adding a cobot is justified at that customer site, which type of cobot is most suitable, if it meets privacy and data protection requirements and more. Having this framework in place will ensure we maximise the impact of cobots at our customer facilities.

The goals behind the cobots are to ensure consistent cleaning quality and improve sustainability, which is key as research for our Evolving Workplaces Report found that 80% of employees think it is important that their company has sustainability initiatives in place. 

The devices also reduce physical strain on placemakers by doing the first phase of cleaning, with the placemakers then using their knowledge of ISS’ cleaning standards to decide if more work is needed - the technology is enhancing, not replacing, the human touch. Together, they create a workplace that’s not only cleaner but also smarter and more sustainable. In fact, multiple UK customer facilities have increased floor cleaning efficiency by 30% since using the cobots.

“People are still more intelligent than the robots, so it’s about how we can help them apply that intelligence. We are looking for robots that can support the cleaner to focus on what's most important to the client, and the important thing is the collaboration, so the robot can tell them where it has been or where it hasn't been, or what it has experienced. The intelligence is transferred to the human so that they can put their focus on where the needs are,” Anders says.

“We will always look for things that can make us work smarter. It's making sure that we are in front of the wave for finding the right balance between the resources that we're using in the manual equipment and the more technological equipment,” he adds.

From sensor-driven scheduling to collaborative cobots, smart solutions are not only boosting productivity but also enhancing the everyday experience for employees.