December 3, 2024
This article is part of the results of The Biggest Fleet 2024. Click here for all results
Robotic cleaning has experienced a remarkable upswing in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. But what developments can be expected in the coming years? Given the different regional markets, technological advances, and changing industry requirements, profound change will characterize the coming years. Based on our observations and market analyses, we venture into the future of cleaning robotics and derive ten theses from them.
In the future, cleaning robots will increasingly be divided into two main categories: low-cost models for simple tasks and highly complex machines for more demanding environments. This will further diversify the market for robots and require specialized fleet operators.
Global players will increasingly need to adapt their robotic solutions to regional needs and market conditions. While large-scale machines dominate in North America, smaller, more flexible robots will be in demand in Europe and Asia. Only manufacturers, dealers, and fleet operators who understand these regional differences will be more successful in the long term.
We know that this is not a particularly groundbreaking thesis. However, we are sure that artificial intelligence will develop from a current marketing argument into a real selling point. It will no longer only play a role in autonomous navigation and mapping but also in the continuous improvement of cleaning efficiency and precision.
Easy-to-implement and cost-effective “drop-and-go” solutions, such as those used in the hospitality industry and small retail spaces, will continue to grow in popularity. These solutions are critical in regions with labor shortages or high labor costs.
Efficiently managing fleets will be one of the biggest challenges for operators. Integrating connectivity and advanced fleet management will be critical to how profitable these technologies can be at scale.
In markets with high labor availability (such as some Asian countries), robots are seen as complementary rather than substitutive. In contrast, robots may increasingly be seen as necessary in countries with labor shortages or high labor costs (such as the UK and Germany).
For example, government funding programs, such as those in Singapore, will play a pivotal role in the growth of cleaning robotics. Particularly in developing countries or emerging markets, this will accelerate the introduction of new technologies and lead to broader acceptance.
All experiences in highly frequented locations point in one direction: cleaning robots do not disturb the public. While robots are still a highlight in themselves, people will get used to seeing them daily.
There are already other niches, such as cleaning PV systems, in which robotics will prevail. However, what is particularly exciting is the question of which areas service robots will be widely adopted in the future. We are confident that green space maintenance and security offer massive potential for automation and that robots in these areas have long since passed the proof-of-concept stage. Incidentally, it will take one or two more innovation cycles before automatically cleaning windows and stairs.
With the necessary workforce, the ability to set up cleaning concepts, and knowledge of the correct use of cleaning liquids, FM companies will be the main drivers of robotics.
This article is part of the results of The Biggest Fleet 2024. Click here for all results