How to plan the implementation of a robot in a large network of facilities
Modern cleaning technologies open up new opportunities for business. Robotization of cleaning allows companies to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure consistent service quality. The effect is particularly noticeable when robots are introduced for shopping centers, office buildings, or medical facilities. However, in order for the implementation to go smoothly, it is important to plan the process carefully. In this article, we will discuss how robots are introduced into businesses, what difficulties may be encountered, and how to effectively build a scalable cleaning system.
Why businesses choose robots: the advantages of automation
Before you start planning the implementation, it is worth understanding why companies should switch to robotic cleaning in the first place.
The main advantages of robotization:
Savings on personnel. One robot can replace several people at a facility of 1,000–2,000 m².
Predictable quality. The robot works according to a predefined algorithm, eliminating the human factor.
Automated reporting. The system records the start and end times of cleaning, routes, and areas.
Uninterrupted operation. Cleaning can be carried out at night or regardless of staff shift schedules.
The success of the project largely depends on how well the business process is prepared and how robot management is structured in different buildings.
The main advantages of robotization:
Savings on personnel. One robot can replace several people at a facility of 1,000–2,000 m².
Predictable quality. The robot works according to a predefined algorithm, eliminating the human factor.
Automated reporting. The system records the start and end times of cleaning, routes, and areas.
Uninterrupted operation. Cleaning can be carried out at night or regardless of staff shift schedules.
The success of the project largely depends on how well the business process is prepared and how robot management is structured in different buildings.
Stage 1: Assessing readiness and selecting facilities
Before introducing a robot into your business, you need to understand where it will really be useful.
Important considerations:
Facility size. A robot may not be economically viable for small sites.
Infrastructure. You need a stable Wi-Fi network, access to power outlets, and access to water for robots with a washing function.
Work schedule. It is important that the robot can perform tasks during off-peak hours or at night.
📌 Tip: For a pilot launch, choose a facility of medium complexity to test scenarios without disrupting business operations.
Before introducing a robot into your business, you need to understand where it will really be useful.
Important considerations:
Facility size. A robot may not be economically viable for small sites.
Infrastructure. You need a stable Wi-Fi network, access to power outlets, and access to water for robots with a washing function.
Work schedule. It is important that the robot can perform tasks during off-peak hours or at night.
📌 Tip: For a pilot launch, choose a facility of medium complexity to test scenarios without disrupting business operations.
Stage 2: Choosing the right model
A scalable cleaning system requires standardized solutions. It is desirable that all buildings use the same or compatible models.
Selection criteria: Performance. How quickly does the robot clean 1,000 m²?
Level of autonomy. Charge, tank capacity, self-cleaning capability.
Functionality. Wet and dry cleaning, presence of lidars and cameras.
Cloud compatibility. For centralized management.
💡 Example: Waybot robots support management via a cloud interface, which is convenient for network businesses.
A scalable cleaning system requires standardized solutions. It is desirable that all buildings use the same or compatible models.
Selection criteria: Performance. How quickly does the robot clean 1,000 m²?
Level of autonomy. Charge, tank capacity, self-cleaning capability.
Functionality. Wet and dry cleaning, presence of lidars and cameras.
Cloud compatibility. For centralized management.
💡 Example: Waybot robots support management via a cloud interface, which is convenient for network businesses.
Stage 3: System and route configuration
Once the equipment has been delivered, configuration and adaptation to the facility begins. For the network, this can be a centralized or decentralized scheme.
What the configuration includes: Scanning of premises and map building.
Programming routes taking into account obstacles.
Setting cleaning schedules (day, night, by zone).
Integration with security and video surveillance systems (if necessary).
📌 Important: it is better to develop templates for similar facilities right away (for example, all shopping centers of the same format).
Once the equipment has been delivered, configuration and adaptation to the facility begins. For the network, this can be a centralized or decentralized scheme.
What the configuration includes: Scanning of premises and map building.
Programming routes taking into account obstacles.
Setting cleaning schedules (day, night, by zone).
Integration with security and video surveillance systems (if necessary).
📌 Important: it is better to develop templates for similar facilities right away (for example, all shopping centers of the same format).
Stage 4: Staff training
Even if the robot operates autonomously, human involvement is still necessary. Staff must be trained in:
starting/stopping the device,
diagnosing simple errors,
recharging and replacing consumables,
remote control via a tablet or PC.
In many cases, implementation goes hand in hand with automation without layoffs — employees do not lose their jobs, but transition to controlling and maintaining robots.
Even if the robot operates autonomously, human involvement is still necessary. Staff must be trained in:
starting/stopping the device,
diagnosing simple errors,
recharging and replacing consumables,
remote control via a tablet or PC.
In many cases, implementation goes hand in hand with automation without layoffs — employees do not lose their jobs, but transition to controlling and maintaining robots.
Stage 5: Centralized robot management
One of the key stages in scaling up is managing robots in different buildings. This is possible through cloud platforms and specialized interfaces.
What you can do through the cloud: View the status of all devices on the network.
Change schedules and scenarios.
Receive notifications about failures or completion of work.
Perform remote maintenance (as part of technical support).
💡 Fact: Cloud systems allow a single operator to control 10–15 robots at different sites at once.
One of the key stages in scaling up is managing robots in different buildings. This is possible through cloud platforms and specialized interfaces.
What you can do through the cloud: View the status of all devices on the network.
Change schedules and scenarios.
Receive notifications about failures or completion of work.
Perform remote maintenance (as part of technical support).
💡 Fact: Cloud systems allow a single operator to control 10–15 robots at different sites at once.
Stage 6: Service and technical support
A scalable cleaning system is impossible without reliable maintenance. The following must be planned in advance:
Technical maintenance schedule (replacement of filters, brushes, software).
Technical support contact person.
SLA (service level agreement).
Plan for updating and expanding the equipment fleet.
The faster service issues are resolved, the higher the efficiency of the entire system.
A scalable cleaning system is impossible without reliable maintenance. The following must be planned in advance:
Technical maintenance schedule (replacement of filters, brushes, software).
Technical support contact person.
SLA (service level agreement).
Plan for updating and expanding the equipment fleet.
The faster service issues are resolved, the higher the efficiency of the entire system.
- What difficulties might you encounter? Main challenges:
- Different levels of facility readiness. Some places don't have Wi-Fi, others have complex layouts.
- Resistance from staff. Not everyone is ready for change, so it's important to establish good communication.
- Underestimating resources. For example, forgetting about consumables or backup devices.
- Management errors. Without a clear system of responsibility distribution, robots will be idle.
- 📌 Tip: define roles and responsibilities in advance — who is responsible for daily operations at each facility.
- What large-scale implementation offers in the long term
- In the long term, the business gains:
- 30–50% savings on cleaning.
- Increased tenant and customer loyalty — cleanliness is important for the image of shopping centers and business centers.
- Reduced staff turnover. People move from routine tasks to more skilled ones.
- Digitization of processes. Anything that can be counted can be improved.
Introducing robots into business, especially when it comes to large companies with a network of facilities, is not a one-time purchase of equipment, but a full-fledged digital transformation project. This approach requires systematic thinking, calculations, phased implementation, and clearly structured process logistics. However, when implemented correctly, it provides significant competitive advantages.
A robot for a chain of shopping centers or other large-scale facilities is not just a cleaning assistant, but a full-fledged part of the technological infrastructure. It is capable of processing tens of thousands of square meters daily, while being subject to centralized control. Cloud platforms make it possible to control robots in different buildings, which is especially important for businesses operating in several cities or with a distributed network of sites.
A scalable cleaning system built in this way provides:
Transparency and control: the manager or supervisor can see in real time where and how all devices are working.
Resilience to human factors: breakdowns, vacations, or layoffs no longer slow down cleaning processes.
Increased efficiency: one employee can remotely control the work of dozens of robots in different shopping centers or business centers.
Unification of processes: the same cleaning standards at all facilities — from the central office to regional branches.
Importantly, robotization does not necessarily mean layoffs: it allows you to reassign staff to more important tasks, reduce staff turnover, and enhance the company's image as a technological and modern partner.
Thus, investments in the introduction of robots into business quickly pay off not only in monetary terms, but also in intangible indicators — stability, tenant and customer loyalty, ease of management, and no complaints about cleaning. If you want to take cleaning at your facilities to a new level, start with competent planning and choosing a scalable solution.
A robot for a chain of shopping centers or other large-scale facilities is not just a cleaning assistant, but a full-fledged part of the technological infrastructure. It is capable of processing tens of thousands of square meters daily, while being subject to centralized control. Cloud platforms make it possible to control robots in different buildings, which is especially important for businesses operating in several cities or with a distributed network of sites.
A scalable cleaning system built in this way provides:
Transparency and control: the manager or supervisor can see in real time where and how all devices are working.
Resilience to human factors: breakdowns, vacations, or layoffs no longer slow down cleaning processes.
Increased efficiency: one employee can remotely control the work of dozens of robots in different shopping centers or business centers.
Unification of processes: the same cleaning standards at all facilities — from the central office to regional branches.
Importantly, robotization does not necessarily mean layoffs: it allows you to reassign staff to more important tasks, reduce staff turnover, and enhance the company's image as a technological and modern partner.
Thus, investments in the introduction of robots into business quickly pay off not only in monetary terms, but also in intangible indicators — stability, tenant and customer loyalty, ease of management, and no complaints about cleaning. If you want to take cleaning at your facilities to a new level, start with competent planning and choosing a scalable solution.
