New robot cleaners helping staff keep community facilities sparkling

Customers, staff and pupils at two of Midlothian's busiest community facilities are benefiting from new robotic cleaning technology that is helping maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.

Supporting cleaning staff

Councillor Dianne Alexander, Cabinet Member for Property and Facilities Services, recently visited Newbattle Community Campus to see one of two new robotic scrubber dryers in action and learn more about how the technology is supporting cleaning teams.

For large areas

The council has invested in two Nilfisk robotic scrubber dryers, which are now operating at Newbattle Community Campus and the Lasswade Centre. The machines are designed to clean large, high-footfall areas including corridors, dining areas, sports halls, dance halls and function spaces.

Sophisticated software

Using advanced sensors and 3D lidar scanning technology, the robots can safely navigate around people and obstacles while carrying out cleaning tasks. The machines are programmed with detailed information about individual rooms, allowing them to clean efficiently and consistently.

Super fast

The robots scrub and dry floors in a single operation, helping to reduce slip hazards while ensuring the correct mix of water and detergent is used every time. Each machine can carry up to 22 litres of water and cleaning solution and can clean over 1,000 square metres per hour, around five times faster than traditional methods in large open spaces.

Human touch

Importantly, the technology is designed to support facilities staff. By taking on time-consuming floor cleaning tasks, the machines allow staff to focus on other essential duties that require a human touch.

Special demonstration

During her visit, Councillor Alexander met Facilities Manager Craig Gillie and Facility Assistant Terry Suen, who has been using the robot cleaner as part of the site's cleaning operation.

Plug themselves in

The machines have proven particularly useful in helping teams maintain cleaning schedules during busy periods and when staff are absent. Future upgrades will see the robots automatically return to docking stations where they will be able to recharge, empty wastewater and refill with fresh water and cleaning solution.

Keeping spaces clean and safe

Councillor Alexander said: "It was fascinating to see this technology in action and to hear first-hand how it is benefiting our cleaning teams. These robotic cleaners are supporting our staff by taking care of large floor areas quickly and efficiently, allowing our teams to focus on the many other important tasks involved in keeping our facilities clean, safe and welcoming.

Innovation 

"The machines help ensure consistent cleaning standards, use the correct amount of cleaning products and can complete work much more quickly in busy areas. This is a great example of how innovation can support our workforce, improve efficiency and help us continue to provide high-quality public services for our communities."

Photo caption

Councillor Dianne Alexander watches a demonstration of the new robotic scrubber dryer at Newbattle Community Campus with Facility Assistant Terry Suen and Facilities Manager Craig Gillie.