Technological advances in the professional cleaning sector have led to the development of autonomous machines designed to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The Italian association Afidamp has recently set up a Focus Team on “Autonomous Machines” and has realized a guide that provides an overview of the topic. The guide covers technological and sustainability aspects, as well as social and regulatory issues.
“With this guide – Stefania Verrienti, Director of Afidamp, says – we aim to provide decision makers of cleaning companies and end users with a practical and comprehensive tool to understand the opportunities offered by automation, facilitating the transition to innovative technologies that improve productivity, ensure high standards of hygiene and safety, and reduce environmental impact”.
The central role of sensors
The guide examines the main types of professional autonomous machines: scrubber-dryers, sweepers, and vacuum cleaners. These are capable of automating repetitive tasks and optimizing resources. Programmability, autonomous navigation, data collection and analysis make all this possible. In addition, another important feature is maintenance. The most advanced devices can handle some routine maintenance tasks (such as filling/emptying tanks and recharging batteries), further reducing the need for supervision.
In terms of navigation technologies and control systems, cleaning robots integrate a combination of advanced sensors, such as 3D depth cameras, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), ultrasonic sensors, odometry, and fall sensors. These components, integrated with each other, allow robots to move with precision in complex environments. They enable robots to avoid obstacles, provide accurate distance measurements, and generate a three-dimensional map of spaces.
Cobots support operators, they don’t replace them
The guide also explores the social and professional changes brought about by the introduction of autonomous machines. In particular, it analyzes how cobots (collaborative robots) will not replace workers, but they will support them in their daily operations by improving their working conditions, freeing them from repetitive tasks, and allowing them to focus on activities with greater added value.
Cobots not only provide physical support to operators, but are also becoming increasingly intelligent and connected devices capable of collecting large amounts of data during operations. This makes it possible to measure performance, monitor every single activity, and identify areas for improvement, thereby continuously optimizing processes.
Focus on sustainability
In the autonomous cleaning machine sector, the focus on sustainability mainly translates into solutions that involve the use of recyclable materials and the optimization of resources such as energy, water, and detergents. “For example – the Afidamp guide explains – it is essential to constantly monitor the consumption and performance of machines and batteries, with the aim of extending their useful life and reducing their environmental impact in the long term. A crucial approach to minimizing environmental impact involves analyzing the entire product life cycle, from design to final disposal. Thanks to continuous measurement of the work performed, autonomous machines collect data over time, creating an increasingly accurate archive of information. This data will form the basis for optimizing cleaning operations and further reducing waste”.
