Clearlink sets sights on virtual reality

INCLEAN speaks with Clearlink managing director Fred Itaoui, following the launch of the company's new fleet of machines and its virtual reality-based training system.

Sydney-based Clearlink Services is set to take its innovative approach to cleaning to new heights, launching a fleet of new machines as well as a virtual reality-based training system for cleaning staff. INCLEAN editor Claire Hibbit caught up with Clearlink managing director Fred Itaoui.

Clearlink Services is dipping its toes in virtual reality (VR), with the launch of its VR-based training system for frontline cleaning staff. The online training system, currently being trialed at a handful of commercial buildings, offers basic introduction courses, or can be tailored to a specific facility. 

Wearing a VR headset, users are able view the building’s interior prior to entering and undertake practical tasks. The program can also be applied to a user’s smartphone or tablet. The training sessions are recorded and are able to be accessed by the employer.

“At the moment there’s no data that tells an employer if the staff member has been properly inducted,” explained Clearlink founder and managing director Fred Itaoui. “With our technology, the employer is able to see when the cleaner logged on and how long they spent completing the course.

“Training is lacking in the industry and it’s hard because I would say around 70 per cent are ethnic background and English is a second language. Induction courses today tick the boxes, but do staff really understand? Being able to visual the theory reduces language barriers.

“Using our VR program, the cleaner is able to virtually enter a building, visit the cleaning room, pick up a trolley, vacuum – even see where they power points are. This way they’re properly trained and feel a bit more comfortable starting work in a new environment,” Itaoui said.

Always on the move, Clearlink will also broaden its robotics range later this year, introducing a fleet of medium-to-large-sized scrubbers, ideal for facilities between 1500sqm and 2000sqm, as well as its first robotic car park sweeper.

According to Itaoui, shopping centres and hospitals have been early adopters of autonomous clearing machines, adding his strategy is to target the building owners.

“I introduced the first robotic scrubber in Australia four years ago, but the cleaning companies weren’t interested so I went to the building owners instead. They loved the concept and were willing to embrace innovation. Since then it’s always been our strategy to approach building owners first because they’re the drivers of technology.”

In addition to its new products slated to be released later this year, the company is also trialing a new robotic waste solution, where waste is able to be separated at the source. The solution is currently being piloted by a handful of local city councils.

“We’re looking at introducing a more robust recycling process. We’ve got technology, where instead of separating at source, we separate it at the processing centre. We sterilise the waste then we process it,” Itaoui explained.

*This article was first published in the September/October edition of INCLEAN. Click here to keep reading.

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