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”
- 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.
- Typical behavior: letting the robot run on predefined routes without adjusting for changing conditions; emptying the dustbin or tank once per day (usually at end of a shift); only basic upkeep like 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 facility areas. Instead of sticking to fixed routes, they move the robot between locations as needed (administrative wing, media center, lecture hall between classes, etc.).
Task selection becomes more intentional: considering floor type, time of day, custodian’s other responsibilities. 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 fully automated environments — those with infrastructure like automatic doors/elevators, hookups for water/chemicals/power, scheduled cleaning tasks across zones — robots navigate independently between floors and areas. They auto‑dock to charge batteries, manage water/chemical levels, and handle cleaning tasks across multiple zones.
- Custodians’ roles shift to supervisory & maintenance tasks: they oversee fleets via software dashboards, maintain robot hardware, respond to alerts, check performance, replace worn parts (squeegees, brushes), and handle tricky spots like tight corners or unexpected messes. The mindset evolves from “I use a mop” to “I supervise a smart cleaning system.
Even in fully automated environments, custodians remain essential for quality and safety — robots handle bulk cleaning; humans ensure standards, respond to hazards, do spot‑checks.
Summary Thought
Automation doesn’t remove human labour — it elevates it. Robots free humans from repetitive, physical tasks, letting custodians focus on maintenance, oversight and ensuring a safe/clean environment. The article argues that custodians and robots make the best teams when custodians embrace robots as tools.
