A Day in the Life: Custodians and Cleaning Robots Working Together
As autonomous cleaning equipment becomes more advanced and widespread, the role of custodians is evolving. These robots are not replacements — they're tools. Tools that can transform cleaning routines, improve outcomes, and ease the burden of repetitive tasks. But how do custodians actually work alongside these machines? What does the day-to-day look like? From initial skepticism to full-scale automation, here's how custodians and cleaning robots learn to work together.
The 3 Stages of Custodian-Robot Collaboration
The Passive Stage: “The Robot Just Works"
At this stage, custodians treat the robot as a self-operating device that requires minimal attention. It’s seen as a background helper rather than an active part of the team. The focus is on letting the robot do its job while the custodian handles other tasks.
Common behaviors include:
- Letting the robot run on predefined routes without adjusting for changing conditions.
- Emptying the dustbin or tank once per day, often at the end of a shift.
- Doing only basic upkeep, such as wiping sensors or cleaning filters occasionally.
This stage sets the foundation for deeper engagement, but interaction is still minimal and reactive rather than strategic.
The Integrated Stage: “This Is a Tool in My Kit”
Custodians begin using robots more dynamically, integrating them into their daily routines across various areas of the facility. Instead of sticking to fixed routes, they move the robot between locations as needed—such as from the administrative wing to the media center, or scheduling a cleaning run in a lecture hall between classes. Task selection becomes more intentional, factoring in details like floor type, time of day, and the custodian’s other responsibilities. At this point, the perspective shifts to a more strategic mindset: “This robot is part of how I work smarter.”
The Autonomous Stage: “The Building Cleans Itself”
In the Autonomous Stage, full-scale automation becomes a reality—especially in facilities equipped with the infrastructure to support it. This includes automatic doors and elevators, access to water, chemical, and power hookups, and programmed cleaning tasks scheduled across multiple zones. At this level, robots are capable of:
- Navigating independently between floors and areas.
- Auto-docking to charge batteries and manage water or chemical levels.
- Reporting performance and issues via remote monitoring.
Custodians transition into custodial technicians, taking on a more technical role that involves supervising the fleet through software dashboards, maintaining the robots’ hardware, and responding to system alerts. The mindset shifts significantly, with workers now seeing themselves as managers of a smart cleaning operation: “I supervise a fleet, not a mop.”
Autonomy doesn't eliminate labor — it elevates it.
Even in fully autonomous environments, custodians remain essential to maintaining high cleaning standards. While robots handle the bulk of routine tasks, human oversight ensures that nothing is missed. Custodians spot-check performance, replace worn parts like squeegees or brushes, and address areas the robot may struggle with—such as tight corners or unexpected messes. They also play a critical role in responding quickly to slip hazards, equipment failures, or other issues that require immediate human intervention. Automation enhances efficiency, but it’s the custodians who ensure the environment stays safe, clean, and responsive to real-time needs.
The best custodial teams don’t fear automation — they embrace it. Robots, like any good tool, empower people to do more meaningful work with less physical strain. Whether your team is just getting started or moving toward full facility automation, there's a place for robotic collaboration in every cleaning strategy.
