How to Get the Most From Cleaning Robots
Cleaning robots have revolutionized the way organizations maintain their spaces and offer a variety of capabilities to meet requirements of various industries. To get the most from these machines, search for models that are reliable and have cellular connectivity that offer remote troubleshooting and data reporting.
Choose a model that can support spot or zone cleaning to clean areas that are prone to dirt on demand. To avoid hair getting caught it is a good idea for you to remove your brushes regularly as well as any edge or corner brush from your robot vacuum.
Autonomous Cleaning Robots
Robots that are autonomous can clean, sweep and disinfect areas without constant human interaction. They can also adapt to various situations and perform tasks that are too for a human team to handle. Robotic cleaners can save time and money because they allow your staff to focus on other important tasks.
While the most familiar type of autonomous cleaning robot is a household vacuum or robotic floor scrubber, there are a myriad of professional-grade machines that provide many more features than their consumer counterparts. Industrial-grade autonomous robots, for instance, can be used to clean large warehouse floors and other areas that are prone to soiled. They can be programmed to clean in areas where humans aren't allowed to move. Wall-climbing technology, as well as other tools can be used to ensure safety in small areas.
Most of these autonomous cleaning robots are equipped with a variety of sophisticated sensors, including cameras and mapping software that allow them to map out rooms and avoid obstacles. Some even use AI to learn how they're used and adapt to improve efficiency in the course of time.
These intelligent systems can be integrated with other smart devices to create a more connected, efficient facility. Many of these robots require less energy and biodegradable cleaning products, making them environmentally friendly and cost-effective to operate. A lot of these robots have been designed to work with other automated systems such as building automation and material handling systems.
Whether you need one unit or an entire fleet, it's worth investing in this innovative technology to boost the efficiency and performance of your facility's operations. The investment will pay off quickly because of the less necessity for manual work, increased operator safety and a longer life span of surfaces that are cleaned.
The pandemic is an ideal time to start exploring how you can incorporate these advanced cleaning robots into your routine maintenance routine. This is a great way to show your employees that you're making progress in your cleaning routine and also reduce the chance of contracting an infection. Selecting the best autonomous cleaning robots to meet your needs will ensure you get the most value from this investment.
Robotic Vacuums
Sensors help robot vacuums navigate their homes and identify obstacles. Certain models employ infrared sensors similar to those used in self-driving vehicles to create an imaginary map. Other models use cameras that identify objects and avoid them. The sensors also allow you to select an area in your home to be cleaned using the on-board controls or a smartphone app. Some models allow you to control the robot using voice commands. You can choose to vacuum one room or send it to hug your walls for a perimeter cleaning.
While robotic vacuums are great for picking up dirt that has accumulated in carpets and rugs, they're not able to dig deep into pet hair clumps and other messes that need more than a quick sweep. They also don't pick up dust close to baseboards and other edges, which requires an extra thorough cleaning than what you'd receive with a standard canister or upright vacuum.
When choosing a robot vacuum, choose one with strong suction and brushes that are designed to remove dirt from surfaces. The most effective models come with features like object identification technology, customisable settings and pet mode. You should check the manual for the recommended maintenance intervals, however the majority of models require minimal or no maintenance beyond emptying the garbage and wiping down the sensors, wheels, and charging contacts.
The majority of the top robot vacuums and mop models we tested integrate with smart home systems. You can control them using apps on your smartphone or digital assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can schedule a cleaning session or begin one and set a date for it to be completed while away. Some even allow a pause in a cleaning session to recharge, and return to where they left off. However, many robotic vacuums aren't as effective as traditional vacuums and in tight spaces and their small designs can be a hassle to move around furniture.
Robotic Floor Scrubbers
Contrary to vacuum cleaners that are used to remove debris from floors and carpeting, robotic floor scrubbers use water to move and dissolve dirt and grime from floors with hard surfaces. They can be self-propelled or controlled by an operator. The most advanced models can recognize and automatically navigate obstacles, thus reducing the time spent cleaning. Certain models have an intelligent water management systems, which recycles the same water for hours.
A robotic cleaning machine can increase the amount of the amount of work in facilities that are short-staffed or are afflicted with high turnover rates. Staff can concentrate on other important tasks when robots are working. In a hospital, this could mean that surfaces that are often touched, such as doors, countertops, and bathrooms cleaned and disinfected. In retail stores, it could be helping customers locate what they need and avoiding customer frustration with smudges on glass and windows.
Robotic floor scrubbers can be programmed to work at specific times, and their cleaning path can be customized with a variety of mode options to meet specific cleaning requirements. They can be monitored in real time and allow managers to monitor their progress via a mobile app or web-based portal. Some manufacturers collect this data and make it available to the end-users, enabling them to identify areas for improvement.
Simple models can be purchased for just $100. They come with one reservoir of water and a static pad similar to a Swiffer which sprays, wipes, and collects dirt. The more advanced models have two rotating pads that scrub and sweep the floor, with self-emptying docks for dumping dirty water and refilling with clean solution. The most stylish mop-vacs for robots can even differentiate between types 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 are connected to a cloud system that offers highly detailed reports on their performance and usage with precision productivity metrics as well as heat maps of the coverage areas cleaned as well as anomalies and other alerts. The data can be accessed remotely by facility managers and other staff members who have been granted access to the system.
Robotic Floor Mop
For a hands-off way to keep your floors clean, a robot mop is the best option. These bots will spruce up your tile and wood floors between deep cleaning sessions and keep dust, pet hair, dirt dust and other debris at low levels. They work on all sealed hard flooring that includes laminate, hardwood and vinyl. Most robot mops are operated with a timer to clean at predetermined intervals. You can make use of the app to alter cleaning options, make a schedule, or monitor when the mop needs maintenance such as changing the filter.
Typically, floor mops for robotics require an additional water tank for mopping, which can be difficult to empty and fill when pads get dirty. Find models with a self-emptying dock, or one that is easily emptied manually whenever needed.
Some models can also vacuum However, you might need to empty the dust bin after every cleaning session (unless it has a self-emptying base). If your floors are especially dusty, you might be able to get better results if you let the robot sweep, then mop.
Most robot mops only require tap water, however some will let you add a cleaning agent to the tank to provide extra cleaning. It's important to only use cleaning solutions recommended by the manufacturer since using unauthorized ones can damage the machine or void the warranty.
Certain apps let you not only stop and start your bot but also create an outline map and establish virtual barriers or no-go zones. Some apps will alert you when your battery is depleted or that the mop should be washed.
If you are looking for a single unit that can do both vacuuming and mopping, you should consider a hybrid robot, such as the Ecovacs Deebot X2 or the Roborock Q Revo. Both of them have floor maps, and they'll track and automatically charge the batteries if they are low during cleaning. They also offer a number of other smart features including a remote start and stop button and an app that allows you to build an automated cleaning schedule and track when your mop needs maintenance.