Words: Varun Godinho
It’s difficult to identify a single inflexion point as to when the integration of AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and automation into the cleaning sector became more visible, and in some ways even more necessary, than before. Certainly, though, the pandemic five years ago was a major catalyst. It was a period that ushered in the need for all-new cleaning regimes and solutions that were overall more autonomous.
The adoption of technology into the cleaning sector since then has been swift, extensive and transformative. From robotic floor cleaners to cutting-edge software that self-generates compliance reports, the scope of automation is wide and straddles both the physical and digital-first worlds.
While several players have been waving the flag for autonomous cleaning in Australia, two companies – cleaning equipment manufacturer Kärcher and robotic AI software firm Brain Corp – have stood out, laying a solid foundation for the industry’s tech advancements.
Andrew Dillon is a director at JCAL Risk Management and business development executive at Brain Corp, spearheading the company’s growth across Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
Meanwhile, New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based Hamish Matheson is the region president for Oceania at Kärcher and has brought his experience in working with large US and European global organisations to the German family-owned company.
Here, Dillon and Matheson outline the scope, challenges and the future of smart cleaning solutions in Australia.
The advantages of automation
Rather than wax eloquent about the hypothetical advantages of integrating technology into the cleaning space, Matheson cites real-world examples of its profound benefits. He explains that one of Kärcher’s customers in New Zealand shared the measurable impact the Kärcher KIRA B 50 had on their warehouse operations. That machine reportedly saved the organisation 360 minutes per week that would otherwise be spent by an employee, who was now reallocated to higher-value tasks. The autonomous cleaning robot also resulted in a 150 percent boost in cleaning frequency, cleaning 13,000 square metres daily.
Beyond numerical advantages, automation can also assist with important administrative tasks such as compliance. The cleaning robots generate automated logs, thereby replacing manual record-keeping and improving audit readiness. “AI-enabled cleaning tech such as KIRA also transforms compliance from what can be a complex and laborious task into a quick and seamless one,” Matheson says.
Pushing operational frontiers
The path to automation does not involve building more capable robots, but rather better-trained models.
One way to deliver this is through regular software updates based on collected real-world data from hundreds of robots, which are independently improving their own performance across every mile travelled.
That shared data enables the system to make the robots ‘smarter’ over time in a real-world setting, outside the controlled testing facilities where they were initially developed.
“BrainOS-powered robots are specifically built to navigate real-world, unpredictable environments,” Dillon says. “We’re specialists in this area and you’ll find robots powered by BrainOS operating globally in warehouses, malls, airports, hospitals, and retail stores where crowds, obstacles and layout changes are part of daily life. Thanks to a robust combination of cameras, LiDAR, 3D sensors and proprietary AI algorithms, they can detect, avoid, and reroute around people and objects in real-time.”
Another focus for automated cleaning manufacturers and service providers is adaptive cleaning, wherein robots learn from their environments and adjust their cleaning patterns in real-time based on external influences. “For example, think about when it rains and the foot traffic in shopping centres. Cleaning machines of the future will know it’s raining based on weather signals and launch automatically to clean shopping centre entrances,” Matheson explains.
The people element
Automation in the cleaning sector does not need to be an either-or choice between machines and humans, but rather a model where systems are automated and technologies are implemented only, and always, with humans in the loop.
Matheson says concerns over cleaning automation resulting in scores of redundancies are overhyped. “Any tech that promises to completely remove the need for humans in the cleaning industry, I would suggest, is overhyped,” he says. “The genuinely transformative machines have been carefully developed and engineered to improve efficiency and allow humans to focus on more complex cleaning tasks.”
Dillon, too, is clear that automated cleaning solutions are in no way intended to replace humans at a job that requires a considerable level of skill in order to execute complex tasks. “Many people assume robots can replace cleaning staff entirely, but Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are designed to augment – not eliminate – human workers, handling repetitive, high-frequency cleaning tasks so staff can focus on more detail-oriented work,” Dillion says.
“Our philosophy is not about replacing people, but elevating the role of human workers to higher-value tasks. Our robots are designed to work alongside human teams as they handle other tasks. While the robots are autonomous in operation, human oversight is still important, especially for general machine maintenance and reviewing reports to ensure cleaning coverage is being maximised.”
Challenges in AI and automation
Several challenges are associated with integrating technology into the cleaning industry. None of them are insurmountable in themselves, but tackling them requires a cross-departmental, across-the-floor buy-in from all those involved in implementing the technologies.
As Dillon says, there’s often a gap between what robots can do and what people
think they can do. Education is crucial in bridging that gap. “Change can be hard,” he says. “Cleaning workflows are deeply embedded, and some teams fear disruption. That’s why we offer full support to ensure smooth onboarding, training and integration. Like any new technology, AMRs require a shift in existing processes. Without internal champions, adoption can stall.”
Dillon says, in large facilities, operators want solutions that “fit into existing systems, not create more work”.
Apart from integration issues, another challenge the industry faces is perceived high implementation costs, with some facility managers viewing robots as an avoidable capital expense rather than a productivity tool with a sizable return on investment in the long term, as it frees up staff for more valuable tasks.
To address these concerns, companies such as Kärcher offer monthly leasing options for their robots, which are provided with no licensing or subscription fees, further reducing ongoing operational costs.
Another concern that automation must address is general data security. “In order to operate, robotic tech needs a certain level of information about your site, and it is crucial to ensure that any information it has is stored and managed safely while also complying with local data legislation,” Matheson says.
The road ahead
As the technology underpinning cleaning solutions evolves and becomes smarter, analysts suggest that there will be a greater interdependent relationship between employees and machines. Matheson views this relationship between automated cleaning technology and frontline staff as strengthening over the next few years. “Robotic cleaners cannot do everything a human can,” he says. “The real benefit lies in utilising the strengths of both robotic tech and cleaning staff for optimum results.”
This relationship is expected to give rise to a new generation of collaborative robots, also known as cobots. “Cobots will continue to enter the market, increasing performance and efficiency,” Matheson says. “This is most likely the cleaning tech that will stick.”
The direction that will likely define the path forward for the automated cleaning sector is best elaborated by Matheson, who calls for an industry-wide shift in perceptions and attitudes to integrating automated cleaning solutions. He says this will then determine the pace with which these technologies develop and are integrated into facilities.
“Those who have the best success in integrating automated solutions into their cleaning processes have embraced the technology and ensured there is ownership within their business and cleaning teams to get the best out of it,” Matheson says. “This includes manufacturer-supported training and support required to develop the appropriate mindset and skillset.”
The right mindset and skillset are what will truly move the needle for the industry.
This article first appeared in the July/August 2025 INCLEAN print magazine
