New technology is revolutionizing the cleaning industry — a booming sector that’s expected to increase by $2 billion by 2023. As cleanliness and hygiene becomes increasingly important to consumers and employees alike, businesses are rapidly adopting the latest technology to stay ahead of the competition. Ultraviolet disinfection, smart dispensers, and autonomous cleaning equipment are some of the most revolutionary inventions in recent years.
Ultraviolet disinfection
Ultraviolet disinfection isn’t a new technology per se, but it’s only recently been adopted as a stringent cleaning solution by businesses across a range of industries. UV light is effective at killing bacteria, mold, mildew, viruses, and other unwanted microorganisms. UV light units are capable of disinfecting large spaces in little time, although they usually need to be handled by professionals. Alternatively, LEDs that emit UV light are also a popular option, as they’re affordable, effective, and easy to install. Office buildings, in particular, can benefit from this powerful cleaning technology. Offices are hotspots for germs and bacteria. The average office desk harbors over 10 million bacteria — that’s 400 times more bacteria than found on toilet seats. It’s therefore essential to take steps to ensure hygiene and cleanliness and minimize the spread of bacteria at work.
Smart dispensers
Smart dispensers for soap and paper towels are now at the cutting-edge of restroom cleaning. Linked up to the internet of things, bathrooms now have a “smart” functionality: they can connect to a wider network, which collects, shares and analyses data and gives real-time feedback. Smart dispensers offer a range of benefits. For example, sensors placed inside toilet paper and paper towel dispensers provide employees with a convenient and effortless way of tracking product levels and when topping up is necessary. These smart sensors are also capable of detecting leaks in pipes, which can help prevent expensive water damage from occurring. They can also track restroom occupancy and traffic flow throughout the day. And, perhaps most importantly, smart dispensers are no-touch and hands-free to minimize the spread of germs and bacteria.
Autonomous cleaning equipment
Autonomous equipment has the power to deliver the highest standards of cleaning. By melding advanced navigation and operation software with ultra-modern optics, autonomous cleaning equipment can take care of monotonous and time-consuming tasks and free up people to perform more complex tasks, therefore saving time and boosting productivity. Autonomous machines differ from programmable robotic machines as they’re able to respond intuitively to the environment in real time. For example, Nilfisk recently released the Nilfisk Liberty SC50, the most advanced autonomous cleaning machine available. Its proprietary sensor suite, software and camera mean it can efficiently work in small or busy spaces, as it can automatically recognize and avoid any obstacles. The good news is that experts predict robots and autonomous machines will work alongside people rather than replace them in the future.
Cleaning technology is developing at a rapid rate. UV disinfection, smart dispensers, and autonomous cleaning equipment are some of the most exciting innovations helping improve standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
