EMEA: Research from SoftBank Robotics EMEA reveal that 89 per cent of supply side and 78 per cent of demand side of facility managers (FMs) believe that performance-based contracts will improve the success rate of cleaning projects.
The research is presented in a white paper, The Cobotic Evolution in Cleaning. It shows that 81 per cent of FMs confirm that projects have failed to deliver on expected outcomes over the past two years, with 66 per cent stating that innovation in cleaning is long overdue.
More than half (57 per cent) of FMs would like to see performances-based fees, 46 per cent would like gain-share models, and 44 per cent would like some level of commercial and operational risk-sharing when entering into a contract with a cleaning technology provider.
70 per cent of FMs state that a leasing model that reduces financial risk would make the adoption of new cleaning technologies more attractive. This figure rises to 73 per cent within supply side organisations.
The paper also explores the introduction of cobots – collaborative robots that work alongside cleaning teams and undertake repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as vacuuming.
93 per cent of FMs report that cobots will incrsease the quality and consistency of service delivery within commercial cleaning. 77 per cent state that cobots can drive productivity, and 76 per cent predict that robotics will lead to healthier workspaces for employees.
Nils van der Zijl, VP of sales and marketing, SoftBank Robotics EMEA, said: “There is clearly a real appetite for partnership models within facility management and cleaning, where technology providers work closely with facility management service providers and businesses to deliver innovation, with shared goals, risks and rewards. It’s understandable that in an industry that has experienced significant challenges in delivering successful innovation programmes, there is a certain amount of scepticism and uncertainty when it comes to technology adoption. FM leaders need to ensure they get the advice and support they need, working collaboratively alongside trusted partners to develop the right innovation strategies.”
Van der Zijl concluded: “Successful innovation depends on a lot more than simply having access to the very latest and most impactful technologies; it’s about developing the business models, processes, skills and understanding within the organisation to integrate new technologies in an effective and sustainable way. It’s crucial that FM leaders, whether on the demand or supply side, find strategic technology partners that can help them to implement the wider operational and cultural changes that are so critical to delivering innovation and real commercial impact.”
The full report, The Cobotic Evolution in Cleaning, is available here.
SoftBank Robotics EMEA delivers automation and cobotic solutions to a range of industries in the EMEA region. It’s part of SoftBank Robotics Group.
