Interclean 2024 in Amsterdam was again the European hotspot for automated cleaning this year. We attended the trade fair for our readers and watched for interesting new developments. Here are our takeaways:

1. Focus on On-Demand Operations

The Gausium Phantas has been well received due to its space-saving performance. This success was undoubtedly one reason the company focused on reworking and improving the existing product rather than launching a new product at Interclean.

More exciting for our experts than the addition of useful functions to existing products, however, was Gausium’s approach of simplifying on-demand spot cleaning. There is a clear trend in the market that short-term cleaning and roboter-operator-interaction is becoming increasingly important. In his presentation, Peter Kwestro from Gausium showed how Gausium robots detect heavy contamination during their cleaning run, report it to the operator and start spot-cleaning if required. This AI feature leads us directly to the second takeaway

2. Artificial intelligence (still) mostly means object recognition

Of course, artificial intelligence is the topic of the moment. No industry in the world is not considering what the leaps in development in the field of artificial intelligence mean for it. And no marketing department in the world that is not trying to capitalize on people’s enthusiasm for its company or products. So far, it is legitimate, but beyond brochures, where can AI help improve FM robots?

Object Recognition
The new ZACO X1000 vacuum robot features object recognition of potential obstacles. According to the manufacturer, the Microbot can identify and avoid shoes, cables, socks, books, towels, bottles, rubbish bins, flower pots, etc.

Mapping 
Almost all robots use AI technology to create maps. 

Stain detection/detection of types of soiling
Gausium has developed AI-supported stain detection and spot cleaning for heavier soiling (see 1. On-Demand Operations).

Interaction with humans
Interaction with humans is not yet really the focus for cleaning robots. However, robots from other service areas clearly show where the journey will take us in the coming years. The Chinese manufacturer Pudu has already shown what is possible in the service sector. The BellaBot Pro used in catering includes voice and greeting interaction and improved dish identification. 

AI in Software
The big announcement of the cooperation between Tennant and BrainOS also shows that intelligent software for controlling individual robots or entire fleets will also become increasingly important outside of the hardware product.

One thing is clear: product innovations in FM robotics are subject to long development cycles. The significant steps taken in artificial intelligence in recent months will take some time before they are incorporated into the new automation offerings.

3. Microbots are on the rise

It is obvious that the big players are rounding off their product range at the bottom. Robots are becoming smarter, more compact and can therefore also be used in more confined and difficult spaces. Below the compact class of a Gausium Phantas or a Tennant X4 Rovr, there is the competitive and up-and-coming segment of microbots.

Microbots are small and surprisingly powerful, and, with their low acquisition costs, they represent a real door opener for cleaning automation. The growing importance of the microbot class should be noticed at Interclean 2024. Mainly used for dry cleaning, these handy devices have been familiar to the consumer market for years. Now, they are increasingly making their way into the professional cleaning market. Products that you should keep an eye on:

• Cleanfix Navi S170
• NEXARO NR 1500
• ZACO X1000
• i-team Co-botic™ 1700
• Kärcher KIRA CV 50 

4 Combined Strength

Both Nilfisk and Lionsbot are established brands in automated cleaning. Just in time for Interclean, the companies from Denmark and Singapore announced the market readiness of a joint SC25 robot.

What is already known about the SC25:

• Designed specifically for areas such as retail spaces, offices, kindergartens, and clinics
• Returns to its docking station to charge, empty dirty water, and refill with clean water
• IEC certified (safety standards)
• Zero degree rotation 
• Reduced speed for effective edge cleaning

Technical specifications :

• Running time: 3h (Cleaning time 1.5h-3h)
• Max speed: 3.6 km/h
• Dimensions: 72.2 x 91 x 65.4 cm
• Weight (incl. batteries + water): 126.9 kg

Click here for the official announcement: Lionsbot x Nilfisk
Click here for more information on the SC 25: https://www2.nilfisk.com/SC25_ProductLaunch