Older machines can be retrofitted with simple IoT modules that record key parameters like location, runtime or charging cycles. These modules are often easy enough to install without technical training. For smaller assets, Bluetooth tags – available for under £20 – enable location tracking and automated check-in/check-out processes. When used together with existing IoT gateways or fleet devices, they create a mesh network capable of passive tracking with no manual input.
Bringing robotics into the hub
The robotics sector is particularly dynamic. Companies like Gausium, LionsBot, Nexaro, CenoBots and Softbank Robotics are offering increasingly sophisticated solutions for autonomous floor cleaning and disinfection. However, many of these systems are not integrated with broader equipment management platforms, leading to operational blind spots and inefficiencies.
This is where open standards and APIs become critical. Platforms that support REST, GraphQL, MQTT or similar technologies can ingest telemetry from robotic systems, including runtime data, error messages and maintenance needs. Once integrated, robots can be managed side-by- side with traditional machines – allowing service teams to track uptime, assign maintenance tickets and evaluate ROI from a single dashboard.
Importance of Open Interfaces
A key requirement for long-term success is ensuring openness and interoperability. When investing in new equipment, cleaning companies should consider whether the OEM provides access to data interfaces. Without this, robots or machines risk becoming isolated digital islands – connected, but not collaborative. In such cases,
integration via third-party providers or shared platforms should be evaluated to prevent vendor lock-in and support flexible, future-proof setups.
Practical examples from the field
This is not theoretical – several cleaning companies have already implemented such approaches with measurable results, including:
• Mid-sized service provider in Germany
A facility services firm managing over 150 scrubber dryers from three different manufacturers faced low utilisation rates. After consolidating data into a single IoT platform, idle machines were identified and redistributed across sites, leading to a 15% reduction in equipment-related costs.
• Hospital with in-house cleaning team
A hospital using over 300 devices – many without any IoT – was unaware of downtime patterns or lifecycle costs. By retrofitting key assets and implementing standardised damage reporting via QR codes, downtime per machine was reduced from over 60 days to under 10 days within five months. Basic training on battery care alone led to a measurable extension of battery lifespan and reduced replacement cycles.
Conclusion
The cleaning industry is evolving – and so must its tools. A centralised IoT platform that integrates machines, tools and especially robotic systems can become the backbone of digital transformation in facility services. When properly implemented, such platforms reduce administrative overhead, prevent downtime and enable better resource planning.
Robotics will continue to play an increasingly important role. However, to deliver their full value, they must be embedded in a broader system landscape – one that emphasises interoperability, transparency and efficiency across the entire fleet.
www.toolsense.io
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