Uh oh. We are all out of work. They’re here, the robots – preparing tax returns and composing emails… now they are even cleaning the office?!
Should you buy a Roomba for your office?
Well… No. Roombas, those cute little things cats love to ride, have been around for several decades. However, they still haven’t reached mass adoption. We haven’t seen one in any of the commercial spaces that we’ve visited.
What is the reason for this?
While robot vacuum cleaners are a far cry from the epic fails and stair dramas of old, they can still match what humans can do. They are not efficient or quick, and they can’t handle a deep, large clean.
Roombas and other similar devices clean as they move. The sensors map the area to speed up the cleaning process. Batteries last for a long period, and the device will automatically navigate to a charging station when they run low.
The results are almost always disappointing.
Roombas and robot vacuums work best when they do small bits at a given time over some time. This is not conducive to a work environment.
Then there’s the issue of size and power. The suction power of even the most powerful robot upright vacuum cleaner is less than half, and the dust collection capacity is much smaller.
They are, therefore, better suited for household cleaning or light commercial work.
These are ideal for use at home. The home has fewer people, a more consistent floor plan, and a more controlled, relaxed environment. The robot is able to clean the house without any interference from people who are at work or in school.
The office is a more chaotic place, with a lot of foot traffic and mixed flooring. There are also random piles of things that accumulate throughout the day. Even in a household environment (any pets? ), robots struggle to adapt to this kind of change. ).
Robotic vacuums are not suitable for commercial cleaning or office cleaning. For example, fire doors must be closed at all times. What if you have multiple floors to clean? You’ll have a hard time teaching them how to use the lift!
They still need to empty…
Roombas can have other, more obvious disadvantages. There are wires and plugs underneath desks, partitions, and office furniture. The battery life is also limited.
When it comes to cleaning commercially, office robot vacuums are a poor choice because they lack experience, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Office cleaning is a job that requires professional decision-making, especially when it comes to spot cleaning. We have seen some wild things smooshed in carpets, office chairs, and sofas. A robot would not be able to remove these heavy soils or even differentiate between a crumbly and gooey problem.
All of this makes us ask: If it’s not robot vacuum cleaners, then what is the future of office cleaning?
Human-powered office cleaning is still the future.
Our meat bags will still be the best choice for office cleaning in the near future. Sorry futurists. Office cleaners won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. We will probably see more tech in our field. Here are some upcoming innovations in cleaning technology.
UVC disinfection
In a future-looking development in the cleaning industry, Ultraviolet C light (UVC) has been proven to be effective at eliminating viruses and bacteria. The UVC disinfection system could soon be used to clean an office near you… but they will be operated by humans, not robots.
Smart waste management
Imagine a bin that is connected to the Internet and has sensors. It could tell you when it’s time for the next bin collection, as well as how full it is. This may not sound like a lot, but it could make cleaning and waste collection more efficient. It would also be a lifesaver in the home!
Air purifiers
Since COVID-19, advanced air purification systems have become more popular. However, they make a great investment at any point. These systems can neutralize airborne diseases and filter out allergens and dust.
Office Cleaning by Humans for Humans
The Abbey Cleaning Service offers professional out-of-hours office cleaning services in Cardiff. Find out today how we can keep your office spotless without interrupting your day (or robots).
Yes, offices get dirty. Some people create messes, stains, crumbs, and smears on a daily basis. The feeling of cleanliness is a positive boost, a productivity booster, and a benefit for people and businesses.
You don’t even need to have a scientifically sterile clean room.
Just a good cleaner for the office.