Automative Transformation of Cleaning Industry: Changing Lives for Good
Published on : Friday 24-01-2020
In the past two decades, the cleaning industry has slowly undergone a facelift, with the introduction of automated aids like the robot vacuum cleaner, says Issy Skelton.
According to a recent report by McKinsey& Company, the world is witnessing a new era in manufacturing, finance and other business functions with the help of industrial automation. Advancements in robotics have continued to illustrate a possible future where there seems to be a robot to choose from for every job. As time has gone on, innovators have expanded their research into the applications of automation into industries beyond the business world, such as the cleaning industry. In the past two decades, the cleaning industry has slowly undergone a facelift, with the introduction of automated aids like the robot vacuum cleaner. Now, companies such as Skyline are amping up their interest and investment in the automation of cleaning functions. As consumers continue to see increased interest in robotics changing the cleaning industry, lives in the workplace and at home have been impacted in both good and not so good ways.
Improving Independence of Mobility Assisted Consumers
The senior population accounts for 104 million of the population in India and is expected to grow to 176 million by 2026, based on estimates by the United Nations Population Fund and HelpAge India.
The challenges commonly faced by an older population or a mobility-challenged one (3 per cent of the national economy) is magnified in developing economies like India. Automation in tasks such as cleaning is paving the way for senior consumers to live a comfortable life at home – with minimal aid unless completely necessary. Hired or professional cleaners can utilise technology to improve their productivity and work for longer, despite changing mobility or accessibility needs.
With the aging process, tasks such as cleaning the floor, mowing the lawn or doing exterior home maintenance work can become difficult – particularly if they begin to lose their mobility. With the recent introduction of robots that can perform all of these tasks, the independence, and employability of homeowners and professional cleaners are being boosted. For the older homeowners, hi-tech inventions and robotic cleaners are providing much-needed support for them to achieve their dream of aging in place.
Better Health through Cleaner Environments
India’s ban on sewer cleaners and other cleaning jobs has done little to stop its people from continuing to work in a dangerous environment for very little money. Faced with very little choice, cleaners have continued to work in a bid to keep their household income flowing but continually place themselves at risk due to the nature of their job. A past study showed that 80 per cent of sewer cleaners die before 60 due to health issues stemming from the uncleaned and toxic air exposure in India, accidents or other related issues. With over 800,000 people working in this environment every day, the replacement of human cleaners with robots could be a life-changing step in the right direction to improving India’s medical health and life expectancy.
Another way the introduction of automated cleaning is changing lives is by creating more opportunities for family time and increased productivity. Less time spent on routine tasks at home has meant that consumers have more time to pursue their career, spend time with their family, or relax and de-stress at the end of the day. With over half of the Indian workforce facing some kind of stress, the reduction of time consumption and pressure created by robotic cleaning devices can play an integral part in creating time for self-care and family bonding.
Job Security from Robotic Replacements
One of the key and most commonly cited concerns voiced in the robotic and industrial automation argument has been the threat to job security that robotics can pose. Cleaning jobs have one of the highest automation risks – approximately 60 per cent – and rank only after construction and food preparation, according to data collected by the Economist. With that, the worry of replacement has increased amongst workers, particularly in India. The economy has recently seen a revival in its cleaning industry and with it, a revival of more jobs for the working population. However, with companies in other countries – such as Walmart – actively recruiting robots instead of staff for cleaning and inventory control, a significant percentage of cleaning workers are increasingly stressed and face a very real threat of the loss of their jobs.
The past two decades have seen the automation industry grow in leaps and strides, and it is not over yet. Smart home automation is on the rise, and Indian firms are embracing it in the workplace to save on HR costs and improve productivity. While there are some cons to the automation of the cleaning industry, so far it seems like the benefits are poised to far outweigh the drawbacks as the automated cleaning revolution continues.