Robots: Intelligent, connected and collaborative

ROBOTS ARE increasingly supporting skilled cleaning professionals to deliver higher standards of hygiene and efficiency and Robert Scott’s growing robotics division, backed by 100 years of cleaning know-how, positions the company strongly in intelligent cleaning tools.

At the start of the year, Robert Scott added two new AI-powered robots to its steadily expanding cobotics range.

“For some time, Robert Scott has been championing the MT1, the world’s first AI-powered sweeper robot for large-scale environments, such as warehouses, airports, and shopping centres. Following its success, we have launched of the new MT1 Max Vac and MT1 Vac,” said Alastair Scott.

“Expanding our offering in automated cleaning technologies marks a significant milestone in Robert Scott’s 100+ year history.”

Built on the successful MT1 platform with enhanced capabilities and designed for indoor and semi-outdoor environments, including warehouses, loading bays, forklift spaces, and car parks, the MT1 Max is equipped with advanced 3D LiDAR, dual chips for greater computing power, and improved obstacle management - adapting seamlessly to complex conditions. 

Meanwhile, the MT1 Vac is the world’s first AI-powered vacuuming robot for large-scale environments. It features a Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (VSLAM) system which enhances navigation in dynamic environments, while an ultra-wide scanning field allows efficient coverage of large areas. 

“The MT1 Max features a 3D lidar radar on the top of the robot - which looks like a flashing police light, and which improves its obstacle avoidance and location detection,” said Alastair Scott. “This means it can also operate outside - although the built-in rain sensor will send it back indoors on wet days!”

Is there anything a robot can’t do?

According to Peter Jones, as automation becomes more visible across everyday operations, the company is often asked 'Is there anything a robot can’t do?'. “In the world of commercial cleaning, robotics has moved rapidly from early-stage novelty to practical, high-performing solution," he asserted. "But while the technology has advanced significantly, understanding both its progress and limits is key to making the most of it.

“From smarter navigation to AI-driven efficiency, today’s cleaning robots are transforming how spaces are maintained, while still working best alongside the people who keep standards high.”

Getting stuck?

Early cleaning robots struggled with navigation and were notorious for getting stuck in corners, colliding with objects and failing to clean up the edges of rooms, Limited sensor technology meant occurrences of collisions with objects, becoming trapped in tight spaces, missing areas was quite common.

While some entry-level or older models may still encounter these challenges, modern commercial cleaning robots have evolved significantly. Today’s machines use advanced navigation systems and multiple sensors to map their environment, recognise obstacles and adjust their cleaning path dynamically. As a result, issues such as getting stuck or repeatedly missing areas are far less common.

The most significant improvements have come through advances in sensor technology, mapping capability and software intelligence.

Many modern robots combine technologies such as 3D LiDAR, RGBD cameras and ultrasonic sensors to build a detailed map of their surroundings. This allows them to plan efficient cleaningroutes, avoid obstacles in real time and operate safely in busy environments.

Improved sensors and more complex algorithms enabled by faster chips have enhanced edge-cleaning performance, with machines getting closer to edges and improving efficiency. Increased computing power has also improved robots’ problem-solving ability when faced with obstacles, enabling them to recalculate cleaning paths and complete tasks successfully.

Competitive market delivers improved technology

A greater number of suppliers have been entering the robotic market, driving competition, and leading to ever-improving technology. Factors which have created this expansion include increased labour costs, the need for contractual compliance and the post-pandemic desire to have cleaning more visible to customers.

Manufacturers are responding quickly by improving autonomy, ease-of-use and data reporting. Customers increasingly expect robots to integrate smoothly into their operations and provide clear performance insights.

Today’s commercial cleaning robots offer intelligent features designed to maximise efficiency and autonomy. These include AI capabilities, multi-robot collaboration, advanced navigation and route optimisation, enhanced obstacle avoidance, automatic charging and water refilling, plus improved remote monitoring and reporting.

These capabilities make robotic cleaning effective in an increasing number of spaces - from smaller retail environments, educational settings and healthcare facilities to very large logistics sites.

The human dimension

Despite their growing sophistication, robots are not designed to entirely replace human cleaners, and the industry increasingly recognises that the goal is not to eliminate the human element, but to support it. 

Robotic cleaning is often most successful as part of a hybrid approach, where robots handle routine floor cleaning while staff focus on detailed or responsive tasks, scheduling in a small amount of time to refill/recharge the robot.

Robots are most effective at repetitive floor cleaning tasks in open spaces. Challenges can still arise in highly cluttered environments or where detailed cleaning is required, such as tight corners, stairs or vertical surfaces. Robots are now sweeping up to the edges of walls but are not yet delivering deep cleans in this area.

Manufacturers continue improving object recognition, edge cleaning and adaptability in dynamic environments. Battery development is advancing rapidly, with larger capacities and shorter charge times the goal. However, because many robots can recharge and refill themselves mid-task, battery life is often less of an issue unless the environment or machine type prevents this technology being used.

“Robotic cleaning technology has developed rapidly in recent years and continues to evolve,” commented Peter Jones. “The most effective deployments are those where robots work alongside cleaning teams, taking care of repetitive floor cleaning so staff can focus on tasks that require attention to detail and human judgement.”

How smart will tomorrow’s robots become?

“Robots will become increasingly intelligent and connected,” concluded Alistair Scott. “Future machines may incorporate more advanced AI capabilities, allowing them to better recognisesurfaces, adapt cleaning methods automatically and integrate with smart building systems.

“However, the future of cleaning will almost certainly remain collaborative, with automation supporting skilled cleaning professionals to deliver higher standards of hygiene and efficiency.

“Through Robert Scott Robotics, we provide a range of autonomous floor cleaning solutions designed for commercial environments. These combine intelligent navigation, automated charging and refilling, and remote management tools to deliver consistent cleaning performance while reducing the manual workload on cleaning teams.

“Our focus is on delivering practical robotic solutions that integrate easily into existing cleaning operations, helping organisations improve productivity while maintaining high hygiene standards.”

Alastair Scott is sales director at Robert Scott. and Peter Jones is robotics expert at Robert Scott Robotics 

For more information, visit https://robertscottrobotics.co.uk