David and Goliath?
This article is part of the results of The Biggest Fleet 2024. Click here for all results
Admittedly, our cover graphic for learning 2 conveys a certain sense of antagonism. However, our ranking and international industry feedback suggest an essential lesson to be learned: Microbots and robots are rarely thought of together. Numerous fleets are limited to one type of robot. While some see the low-cost microbots merely as tripping hazards, others purchase entire swarms of small vacuum cleaner robots. We have juxtaposed both prevailing opinions.
Recap: What are microbots?
Microbots are small, professional cleaning robots that usually cost under $10,000 and are so compact that they easily fit into a DHL or UPS package box. These robots are used primarily in environments where larger machines would be problematic due to the rooms’ limited size and high complexity – for example, in offices with a lot of furniture or in hotels. Some manufacturers have already special-ized in the microbot segment. These include i-Team, Nexaro, Cleanfix, and ZACO. The German cleaning machine giant Kärcher also has a small professional robot in its range, the KIRA CV 50.
Moritz Fendt
Founder & CEO FENKA Robotics
With a ratio of 5:1, microbots are still overrated in the aggregated weighting in the ranking. In FENKAS’s rental business in German-speaking countries, microbots have played a minor role. Our daily interactions with building service providers show a strong trend toward robotizing walk-behind and ride-on machines. Of course, we also regularly travel in Asia and worldwide to see the latest developments. So far, little has convinced us of the need for a large-scale entry into microbots.
Opinion 1: Microbots are tripping hazards
We have gathered a broad range of opinions based on our learning that cleaning companies are currently tending towards an “either/or” decision. Here are the most frequently mentioned arguments favoring large robots – and against microbots.
1. Safety concerns
Since microbots are smaller and lighter, there is a risk of theft or damage. These devices could be knocked over unintentionally or even stolen, which is a particular risk in public or poorly monitored areas.
2. Performance
While large robots can efficiently clean large areas, microbots quickly reach their performance limits. They are unsuitable for cleaning large, expansive areas or can only be orchestrated with great effort.
3. Lack of multi-functionality
Microbots have seen rapid cleaning performance and quality development in recent years. Nevertheless, it cannot be overlooked that vacuum cleaner robots, in particular, prevail in the microbot segment. Their performance in “mopping” is not yet convincing. The availability of multifunctional devices that can perform several tasks simultaneously and to a high standard is not yet in sight.
4. Clarity
Anyone who buys a swarm of small devices must also take care of a swarm of small devices. Where many robots are at work, many can also fail or not perform. The number of necessary tests increases dramatically. Serious fleet management is inevitable.
5. Centralized maintenance for large robots
On the other hand, centralized maintenance is an option for large, high-performance robots. Large machines require less coordination than a fleet of microbots. They can be maintained and op-erated by a specialized team, which reduces the administrative burden.
6. Longevity and robustness
Large robots are usually more robust and resil-ient to faults or damage. Their technology is designed to work reliably, even under challenging conditions
Michael Lackner
CEO Dr. Sasse Facility Management GmbH
Microbots are the entry point for FM service providers into automation, so the weighting in the ranking is only logical. Infrastructural facility management has always been highly individualized, and automation should be approached in the same spirit. Only microbots allow a pragmatic and organic approach that considers our industry and its needs. Don’t get me wrong, we use a three-digit number of large machines in the group, but we are betting – most recently with an investment in another 150 Microbots – that they are justified and will maintain their position in the long term.
Opinion 2: Microbots are key
Despite the challenges, microbots can advance automation in the cleaning industry. Their flexibility offers numerous and invaluable advantages, especially in dynamic work environments.
1. Cost savings and good ROI
Microbots are considerably cheaper to buy than large machines. For companies that want to automate their cleaning processes, they offer a cost-effective way to do so without having to bear high investment costs. The rapid achievement of ROI makes follow-up investments more likely. Small cleaning companies can offer their customers automation solutions without investing too much capital.
2. Modularity and scalability
A fleet of small robots makes it possible to scale cleaning as needed. Companies can expand their microbots depending on the scope and complexity of the tasks without immediately investing in expensive large machines.
3. Plug and play
Microbots usually do not require extensive training. Many products can even be started without an app – simply by pressing a button on the device. Thanks to this, using microbots is self-explanatory, and large-scale training is not required.
4. Reliability
Long downtimes and waiting for particular spare parts are the Achilles’ heel of automated cleaning. Objects need to be cleaned, whether by robots or by human hands. Microbots can be quickly replaced due to easy shipping and comparatively low costs. This prevents long downtimes.
5. Easy integration into existing work processes
Microbots can be easily integrated into existing facility management structures without requiring extensive infrastructure adjustments. For example, even “drop-and-go” scenarios are standard practice in the hospitality sector. Here, cleaning staff drop off a microbot in one hotel room while performing other tasks, such as cleaning beds, in the next room.
6. Doing dirty work where large robots can’t go
Microbots can be used in more complex environments requiring accuracy and flexibility. They are ideal for confined spaces and hard-to-reach areas that large machines can’t access. These little robots are helpful in cleaning surfaces under tables, chairs, or plumbing fixtures.
Takeaway: Think of automation holistically
Robotic cleaning is at the beginning of a significant transformation, and it is clear that both microbots and large robots have their place. However, to realize the full potential of automation, these two models must coexist and be combined.
For robotics manufacturers, this means focusing on something other than developing a single technology. Solutions that integrate large machines and microbots into a single system could shape the industry’s future. Manufacturers also need to develop flexible platforms that can coordinate and optimize different types of robots.
For facility managers, this means looking closely at the specific requirements of their cleaning environments. In many cases, using both small and large robots to cover different cleaning needs will make sense. Understanding how microbots and large robots can best work together is critical to maximizing efficiency and profitability.
The ranking shows that, particularly in Europe, the mix of different robot classes has already arrived. One thing is clear: due to the current structure of manufacturers’ ranges, mixing device classes also results in mixing manufacturer brands. This phenomenon is also clearly visible in the ranking.
The future of cleaning robotics will require the coexistence and integration of both models. The industry’s challenge will be to seamlessly combine these two technologies and benefit from their respective strengths to create the greatest possible value for all parties involved.
This article is part of the results of The Biggest Fleet 2024. Click here for all results