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Why are there no robot vacuum companies targeting commercial or industrial spaces (and particularly hotels)?
Hello! Thanks for your question about the robot vacuum companies targeting commercial spaces, particularly hotels. The short version is that while there are still many issues with vacuum robots due to technology constraints. However, there are currently a number of companies that are tapping into this market space. Below you will find a deep dive of my findings.
METHODOLOGY
To find the answer to this query, I started by assessing the assumptions. I looked for companies in the business of robot vacuums that are targeting businesses and more specifically hotels. Initially I only found one company (iRobot) that offers the same home robot vacuums for businesses. After digging a little deeper, I was able to find other companies that offer industrial-level vacuum robots and cleaning robots for other businesses. Finally, I looked into why other companies have stayed away from this.
CHALLENGES WITH HOTEL VACUUM ROBOTS
When it comes to robot vacuum cleaners, companies are still faced with some technical challenges. For instance, vacuum robots cannot climb stairs, they have less suction and they require more maintenance. While some robot vacuum companies like iRobot and Dyson have improved the technology, the more practical robot vacuums are significantly more expensive.
While the technological challenges faced by robot vacuum companies are being resolved as the technology grows, there are other reasons that could potentially make vacuum robots unsuitable for hotels. Firstly, hotel maids do not vacuum very often to begin with. Secondly, operating a robot vacuum may be beyond the cleaning staff's ability and finally, robot vacuums are slow, which means longer turn-around-time for the room to be ready.
COMPANIES WHO OFFER INDUSTRIAL-LEVEL CLEANING/VACUUM ROBOTS
This is a robotics startup company that is working on commercial cleaning automation. Their self-driving floor scrubber is called Neo, and it promises increased productivity.
This company's vacuum robot is called AEROBOT 1850 and it is advertised to be as effective as a regular vacuum cleaner. Industries served includes hospitality.
This is another company that is offering an industrial level cleaning robot. The most prominent feature of this cleaning robot is that it can use the elevator to clean multiple floors of a building.
CONCLUSION
While the advancements in technology have improved the functionality of vacuum robots significantly, there are still obstacles that are faced by businesses when it comes to replacing the cleaning staff with vacuum robots. However, there are companies who are making industrial-level cleaning robots to be used in commercial buildings and hotels.
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