Roomba robots were a curiosity that dominated the early noughties, but their success was hardly a flash in the pan. Powered by the ever improving iRobot AWARE technology, robotic cleaners really took off. According to analysts Market Research, new robotic cleaning technology can complete cleaning work 57% faster than humans and with a much greater level of efficiency. Within these new products are ever more innovative grades of technology that are helping to tackle some of the modern day’s unique problems.

Improving workplace cleanliness

Of particular value in this latest generation of robotic cleaners is advanced allergen filters. Cleaning products and environmental factors can place harmful allergens in the work environment and bespoke products are required to enable effective cleaning without contaminants. The cost can be high; according to a study of the USA published in the Journal of Respiratory Medicine, the symptoms caused by allergens result in 3.5 million lost work days. HEPA filters do much of the work, but new research has mooted the use of modified ivy to filter pollutants. According to WebMD, ivy produces a modified protein – 2E1 – that will enable manufacturers to filter particles like benzene, currnetly uncaptured by HEPA filters. Furthermore, manufacturers including Dyson are already researching advanced filters for use on their robotic cleaners for use in the household market and for marketing to industrial contracts.

Increasing machine efficiency

Aside from the human factor, there is a marked downturn in machine efficiency, and an increase in costs created from more regular maintenance. This is true for ‘dirty’ industries and modern tech operations – indeed, a 2012 study found that electronics factories produce heavy metals in comparable amounts to dirty industries. Removing particulates from the air is, then, a key priority. The TaskiIntellibot, which has released new models year on year, has been lauded for its ability in this area and while using a fraction of the resources used by other robots; up to 85% of chemicals and water can be saved when the work is performed using smart technology. Robots of this ilk will also find use outside of the business, through smart window cleaning and air pollution filter and cleaning. This will help to reduce the incidence of dangerous accidents involving human employees.

A route to the future?

Cleaning robots naturally encompass some degree of maintenance, and its arguable that they will continue to take this mantle and run with it. A recent report in Futurism highlighted the ongoing development of roadworks micro-robots in the UK, with US$8.9m already plunged into production. These micro-level constructs will perform maintenance in addition to regular cleaning, using the pipes as a built-in ecosystem that will, hopefully, prevent the buildup of industrial waste and also household/commercial detritus. According to the Futurism report, maintenance costs sum up to over $6.3bn yearly in the UK; these robots therefore present a lucrative opportunity for businesses to reduce labor and maintenance overheads.

Cleaning robots are most definitely the way of the future and innovation is already taking place on a huge scale. Expect to see robots for a wide variety of applications spring up over the next few years, especially as smart tech continues to flourish. The result will be safer working places, enhanced industrial efficiency and an all-round well maintained environment.

Source:Jennifer Dawson