Will Robots Replace Janitorial Services Personnel?

Robots and the robotic automation industry have come a long way to transform how many industries operate, and the commercial cleaning industry is no exception.

Robots used to clean commercial and industrial spaces were introduced during the late 1990’s. Their adoption was primarily aimed at reducing the time spent on manual labor in floor cleaning of large-scale commercial spaces. However, using robotics in this fashion initially had significant drawbacks. For instance, the need for constant upkeep of the equipment, machinery that made cleaning along narrow passages and tight spaces difficult, and an inability to navigate dynamic environments. These types of pitfalls meant that human interaction was still necessary to assist in programming, maintenance, and navigation.

Today, however, robotic automation in janitorial services has evolved substantially. Machines have improved in the quality of their sensors and cameras to enhance autonomous navigation, and learning-based algorithms that have bolstered performance. But robots have yet to master certain tasks where humans are still better suited to perform.

Robots vs Humans

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 2.4 million people work as janitors or cleaners in the United States. As robots take over more routine tasks like floor cleaning, the demand for traditional custodians may certainly decline. In fact, a study by the McKinsey Global Institute estimated that up to 30% of jobs in the United States could be automated by 2030, most likely in the lower-waged, harder to find worker segments such as janitorial services.

The appeal of robotic custodians lies in their efficiency and reliability. However, robots may lack attention to details. Reaching edges, cleaning underneath tight spaces, and fitting into corners are still cumbersome for a robot to tackle. Spills or clutter that require judgment (e.g., broken glass, biohazards) and non-cleaning duties, such as restocking supplies, are other situations where robots cannot operate.

Humans on the other hand can manage job complexity and are capable of cleaning unwieldy areas. People have the capacity to think and troubleshoot problems when needed, supervise, set up, and provide a keen eye when it comes to cleaning areas that might not be programmed into a robot’s ‘DNA’ just yet.

Business Considerations of Using Cleaning Automation

Before implementing automated cleaning in any business, examine these key factors: cost of investment, facility type and size, and the frequency of cleaning needed.

• Cost of Investment:
  Robots may be an attractive option for efficiency and labor-reduction in large-scale buildings or in certain types of business operations; however, budget-conscious organizations or companies with a “work from home model” might find automated machinery costly. Purchasing or leasing a commercial-grade cleaning robot can be expensive (upwards of $20,000+ per unit depending on the model). Additionally, robots require regular maintenance and software updates. These high upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses may be prohibitive.
• Facility Type:
  There are certain types of facilities that benefit from implementing cleaning processes using automation. Warehouses, manufacturing plants, arenas, and educational facilities may be ideal types of places. These types of facilities, where a large footprint is typically found, may warrant automation of certain tasks such as floor vacuuming or scrubbing.
• Size:
  The square footage of a facility becomes an important aspect, too, when weighing the pros (and cons) of automated tasks verses manual labor. A small office might not find that the benefits from robotics outweigh the costs associated with the equipment. The functionality of the janitorial services a robot may be able to perform also may not justify the equipment purchase.
• Frequency:
  The frequency of cleaning service may also deter such a large investment. If your building experiences low foot traffic throughout the day or week, an investment in a floor scrubber may be overkill.

Will Robots Replace Human Janitorial Services Providers?

Robots may take over certain janitorial services activities, but it will be quite some time before this technology is adopted across the industry. Robots are a great invention, but they are designed to help and assist humans, not replace them. We may see a future that hosts a combination – human interaction alongside automation. But today, human support and labor is still needed.

If you would like to discuss automation at your facility or want to improve the commercial cleaning services you are currently receiving, then contact your local Vanguard® area franchise business representative to assist you. Find your local Vanguard® area franchise business by visiting the website.

About the Vanguard Cleaning Systems® Brand
Founded in 1984, the Vanguard Cleaning Systems® organization is built upon over 2,500 independently owned and operated franchised commercial cleaning businesses, which are licensed and supported by an Area Franchise network of nearly 50 independent regional offices throughout North America. Vanguard® franchised commercial cleaning businesses service over 15,000 businesses, healthcare companies, educational facilities, and non-profit organizations.