This article is part of the results of The Biggest Fleet 2024. Click here for all results

The cleaning industry is under pressure to keep pace with the rapid development of automation. In addition to the feeling of needing to catch up to other sectors, such as logistics, there is a growing concern in the cleaning industry that competitors may already be further along in integrating cleaning robotics. Interestingly, there is also a distorted perception of automation progress in other parts of the world. While North American companies said they lagged behind Europe in cleaning robotics, European contacts often assumed North America was already fully automated. We very frequently encountered this unsettling mix of assessments in our one-on-one discussions. Undoubtedly, it has led to a reluctance among many companies to talk openly about their status in cleaning robotics.

1. The concern of large cleaning companies

Large cleaning companies see opportunities and a significant risk to their market position in cleaning robotics. In tenders, customers increasingly demand a higher degree of service automation and are increasing the pressure to innovate year after year.

2. The concern of small cleaning companies

Smaller cleaning companies see themselves as disadvantaged in robotics because they have fewer resources than large competitors. High investment costs and uncertainty about the return on investment (ROI) make starting challenging. In an increasingly technology-driven market, some cleaning companies fear being left behind because they need more capacity to compete with larger, better-capitalized companies.

3. PR announcements and flagship projects

Success stories from competitors about the successful use of cleaning robotics also increase internal pressure in many organizations. Although PR announcements often fail to mention actual figures, such marketing noise understandably makes it difficult to make an exact, fact-based assessment of one’s own company.

4. The predicted importance of robotics
prevents open industry exchange

The prediction that robotics will play a crucial role in the future of the cleaning industry means that information about the use of cleaning robots is considered business-critical. Companies often hesitate to publicly share their strategies and experiences for fear of losing valuable competitive advantage or revealing competitive disadvantages. Even in our industry, which regularly publishes revenue figures, ESG metrics, and much more, cross-organizational sharing on
robotics often remains wishful thinking.

This article is part of the results of The Biggest Fleet 2024. Click here for all results