Summary Draft #1 Cleaning Robots

 Cleaning Robots

The webpage, “A Whiz at commercial cleaning,"  from SoftBank Robotics (n.d.), introduces the functions and features of Whiz, an “autonomous vacuum sweeper” that not only “uses a trusted AI platform” to provide “higher quality and more efficient cleaning," but also has proof of the overall performance of the system. To have safety precautions when the Whiz is operating, some safety features are being implemented. It consists of a LIDAR sensor, a 3D camera, a sensor-installed bumper, cliff sensors, wheel contact sensors, and an emergency brake function. According to the “Whiz” webpage, the LIDAR sensors and the 3D camera are used for obstacle detection and fall prevention. The sensor-installed bumper is for impact detection. And lastly, the cliff sensors, wheel contact sensors, and emergency brake function are for anomaly detection. In addition to the safety features, there are also alert functions such as a notification pager, which attaches to the main unit, and a smartphone app. With these functions, it is safe to say that the Whiz cleaning robot is not only effective, efficient, and able to provide a safe environment for employees to work in, but with an AI-implemented system, the Whiz will also be able to work hand in hand with the employees. 


Cleaning robots, such as Whiz, are able to work hand in hand with the employees. Due to the “direct result” of the pandemic, cleanliness and sterilization have been the focal points. Thus, by automating tedious and manual operations, robots can assist organizations in meeting the increased demand for cleanliness. The cleaners can then concentrate on other crucial tasks, such as sterilizing “high-touch, high-risk, or difficult-to-clean places” like elevator buttons, bathrooms, desks, etc. This way, rather than competing with workers, robots can “complement” the workers. With extra time to undertake new duties, employees may be able to “value-add” by providing “additional services to customers." 


This leads to the second point. An example of Whiz being able to provide a safe environment for the employees to work in. Whiz will automate vacuuming so the cleaners can concentrate on duties that are more "human-centric." Whiz is able to steer clear of surrounding obstacles and informs the operators with “real-time data and alerts," putting the user’s mind at ease despite minimal supervision. In addition, these “usage metrics and data analytics” are able to certify cleanliness for all building users while also enhancing cleanliness efficiency over time.


Lastly, Whiz is an effective, high-tech cleaning medium. According to Van Haltren (2021), the current cleaning standard uses the “application of harsh antiviral chemicals." From health, financial, and environmental points of view, this is "concerning,” as the long-term consequences of heavy chemical use are unknown. Staff should be advised not to use products excessively, and the disinfectants should be carefully checked to rule out any chances of having substances with negative side effects that could pose a problem, such as “respiratory irritation or disease”. According to the webpage, GERMii Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) is an “attachment device dedicated for the robot”. With the aid of GERMii’s technology, UV-C is changed into a “concentrated beam of light” that is “lethal” to viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. The cleaning staff only needs to use “soap and cloth” to sanitize the surfaces to disinfect them without the use of chemicals. In addition, when deployed together with Whiz, the UV-C module is close enough to the surface of the floor to “almost instantly” kill “Covid-19, bacteria, and fungi”. 


In conclusion, the Whiz cleaning robot is not only effective, efficient, and able to provide a safe environment for employees to work in, but the Whiz will also be able to work hand in hand with the employees.


References

GERMii, (2021). How tech can ease the cleaning industry's manpower crunch
https://govinsider.asia/intl-en/article/how-tech-can-ease-the-cleaning-industrys-manpower-crunch-robots-germii

SoftBank Robotics (n.d.). Whiz
https://apac.softbankrobotics.com/apac/robots/

SoftBank Robotics (n.d.). Whiz Commercial Robot Vacuum
https://usinfo.softbankrobotics.com/hubfs/Whiz%20Data%20Sheet/Whiz%20Data%20Sheet.pdf?hsCtaTracking=8b360bab-957c-494c-aad9-3efd2daf6b6b%7C9393d9da-e6e4-4b6d-874b-eb3e7e105a91
Steve Crowe, (2019). SoftBank Whiz cleaning robot available outside of Japan
https://www.therobotreport.com/softbank-whiz-robot-outside-japan/

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