Robot cleaner speaks up for itself at Manchester Airport

Citation

(2001), "Robot cleaner speaks up for itself at Manchester Airport", Industrial Robot, Vol. 28 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2001.04928aab.004

Robot cleaner speaks up for itself at Manchester Airport

Robot cleaner speaks up for itself at Manchester Airport

Keywords Robots, Cleaning, Laser scanning

A talking robot cleaner – it says "Excuse me, I am cleaning" – started working at Manchester Airport recently (see Plate 1).

Introduced into the UK by specialist airport cleaning contractor Initial Air Services, the fully automated machine is capable of scrubbing and drying 20,000m² of floorspace every day. It uses laser scanners, ultrasonic sensors, and gyroscopes to detect and avoid passengers and luggage whilst it navigates its way around the vast departure hall at a steady 3mph.

Plate 1 Robot cleaner

Managing director Michael Bullock says Initial has been researching robot cleaning throughout the world, and has trialled several American and European prototypes.

"Although Initial has been pioneering the concept of robotic cleaning for a number of years", he adds, "it has not been until now that we have discovered a unit practical and flexible enough to meet the rapidly evolving needs of today's modern international airport."

Developed by Hefter Cleantech, a German company renowned for its innovative approach to the manufacture of cleaning equipment, the new unit incorporates technology installed by Siemens.

Cleaning solutions are supplied by Johnson Wax Professional. The company has worked closely with Hefter to develop a total machine and chemical system, capable of working effectively in everyday situations.

Robert Burtinshaw, chairman of UK importers FCM Holdings, says, "The robot cleaner requires minimal supervision, being able to automatically return to station for recharging and fluid changes".

Initial Air Services has gained a reputation as "world experts" in the application of robotic technology within the cleaning industry. The company has previously presented papers at British Robotics Association conferences.

"The potential for applying robots to the mundane, repetitive task of cleaning floors is enormous", concludes Bullock. "It also frees up human operators to concentrate on the more technical aspects of keeping busy airports, like Manchester, clean."

For further information, please contact: Jeffrey Roberts, Rentokil Initial plc. Tel: +44 (0)1342 830255; Fax: +44 (0)1342 833029; e-mail: jroberts@rentokil-initial.co.uk