Nilfisk reveal autonomous cleaning machine program

The first technologically advanced Horizon model will be showcased at ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America (26-28 October, Chicago,) where visitors can experience the product live. The first model is due to launch in Spring 2017.

The Nilfisk’s Group Global Horizon Program has included hundreds of hours of customer interviews and workshops designed to understand customer requirements and real applications across the world. According to Nilfisk, the outcome is "the best performing, most productive, safe, self-operating, driverless cleaning machines which heralds a new era for commercial cleaning". 

The range of 2 in 1 autonomous cleaning machines provide impressive precision via a series of sensors, lasers and software programs that are currently used in the military sector for land mine detection in addition to other commercial applications and agriculture.

During a live digital launch of the Horizon Program on Tuesday 4^th October the President and CEO of Carnegie Robotics, Steve DiAntonio, explained how their approach to market is to select a leading global partner in each sector with the courage to introduce disruptive, innovative technology. 

Nilfisk were selected for their 110 year commitment in responding to the changing needs of customers, bringing innovative solutions to the market place, constantly striving to improve performance, productivity and reduce the total cost of ownership. Together the partnership is bringing state of the art technology to the cleaning industry enabling customers to deploy unmanned floor cleaning with accuracy and precision.

The new Horizon range utilises a range of sensors to map the environment, detect people, obstacles and drop offs (stairwells etc.). The robust, perception system therefore allows safe operation within multiple unstructured environments. All models will provide both manual and automatic modes. The CopyCat mode records a normal cleaning pattern for the area in question, allowing the same cleaning pattern to be ‘replayed’ autonomously when the play button is activated. The Fill in Mode allows an area to be outlined before the machine utilises an advanced algorithm to work out the best, most efficient way to independently clean the specified area.

With only 3 buttons the models are very easy to use with minimal training required for operation. Both driverless modes free up cleaning operatives for manual, ad-hoc jobs in more unstructured environments such as busy offices.

Jonas Persson, president and CEO of Nilfisk, said: "Some years ago we developed the ambition to produce the most productive, best performing and safe autonomous cleaning machine in the world. Building on our heritage and remaining consistent, we are setting a course for a long term, strategic program of unmanned, intelligent and connected cleaning solutions. This sophisticated technology will completely redefine how we look at productivity and the total cost of ownership."

He added: "Nilfisk’s work with Carnegie Robotics is like no other partnership in the industry. This team brings together the highest levels of expertise in robotics and commercial cleaning to design and develop state of the art driverless cleaning equipment."