Tafawuq Facilities Management has deployed a self-driving robot cleaning solution called LeoMop, which is equipped with active artificial intelligence (AI) and can clean for an average of 17 hours per day with the ability to self-assign its role with minimum human intervention.
Tafawuq, a subsidiary of Eltizam Asset Management Group, said that the introduction of LeoMop makes it the first facilities management (FM) company in the UAE to leverage robotics. The robot has been deployed in collaboration with Hygiene Tech, a provider of environmentally friendly machinery solutions in the UAE.
According to a statement from Tafawuq, LeoMop is powered by LionsBot, a Singapore-based robotics company, and is designed to improve cleaning productivity and consistency while emphasizing on safety and security.
“Innovation in FM is accelerating through the power of technology. Facility managers are increasingly looking for technological solutions to improve services and save time. Robotics is the most feasible and innovative solution for creating a healthier environment for customers and employees while also delivering higher operational standards,” added the statement.
The robot has features such as water-saving technology, which uses 70% less water than other cleaning robots while achieving the same results. It is also equipped with active-DryTech, a system which can save up to 40% of water when drying floors due to more robust water extraction for safer surroundings.
LeoMop is also regarded as the quietest professional cleaning robot, allowing it to operate at any time without causing disruptions, said the statement. The robot is also programmed with emotional responses such as expressive eyes and voice, and is capable of informing, entertaining and exchanging simple conversations activated via QR code.
Mohammed Alsharaf, senior executive vice president, Tafawuq, said: “The FM industry has seen a significant technological transformation in recent years. With the rise of IoT, AI, big data, machine learning and robotics, Tafawuq is committed to pioneering tech-enabled solutions to enhance our services, become more data and value-driven for the benefit of our clients, asset owners, and our company to be future-proof.”
Multiple sensors and safety features on the cleaning robot use smart algorithms to navigate the environment, adjust travel speed, work around obstacles and avoid task interruption. LeoMop was designed specifically to assist the existing cleaning crew while also allowing them to perform supervisory duties and provide greater cleaning consistency.
The robot also includes a mobile app with 24×7 Cloud service support and real-time performance data derived from predictive analysis to monitor cleaning operations, conditions, and hygiene compliance.
Michael Nicholas, GM, Tafawuq, said: “Covid-19 has put cleaning and disinfection at the centre of facilities management. It is necessary to adapt innovative solutions to our day-to-day operations to manage workforce deployment and support our ultimate goal of providing our clients with a safe and clean environment.”