Flagship and SoftBank Deploy Almost 100 Cobots in Less Than Six Months

Leaning on its extensive experience implementing cutting-edge technologies in airport environments, Flagship Facility Services has deployed almost 100 autonomous cleaners across nearly 15 customer locations in just six months – demonstrating its commitment to cleanliness, innovation, and operational excellence.

Flagship’s fleet of SBRA cobots features four types of solutions: the Scrubber 50, Vacuum 40, Phantas, and Whiz. These cobots perform a wide range of tasks, including vacuuming, scrubbing, sweeping, and dust mopping on various types of hard and soft flooring.

The cobot deployment process utilizes experienced specialists to optimize the program inside of the environment and day-to-day operations. This includes hands-on training to ensure janitorial teams can effectively manage and collaborate with the technology. Since Flagship’s first deployment, cobots have operated for almost 10,000 hours and cleaned more than 35 million square feet.

“This rapid integration reflects our commitment to deliver effective robotic solutions in complex environments like airports and highlights our focus on transforming the way work gets done. This includes training janitorial teams to successfully manage and utilize these advanced technologies within an optimized work schedule,” said Kate Kidd, Head of New Product at SBRA.

The integration of cobots has elevated the role of janitorial staff by expanding their responsibilities to include oversight and management of advanced technology. The program has also resulted in more streamlined cleaning processes, enabling janitorial staff to focus on other high-value tasks, such as cleaning restrooms and responding to customer needs.

Their efficient operation can also extend the life of airport assets, such as carpet and flooring. Through precise and regular cleaning, cobots help preserve these assets, reducing wear and tear and delaying the need for costly replacements.

Furthermore, cobots serve as a visible reminder of an airport’s commitment to passenger well-being. They not only ensure a pristine environment but also enhance the overall airport experience, leading to increased passenger satisfaction scores and trust in airports’ dedication to high cleanliness standards and technological advancement.

Flagship has plans to continue its expansion of the SoftBank Robotics program across key accounts and new contracts. This expansion is ushering in a new standard of airport cleanliness while also establishing a benchmark for operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction in the aviation industry.

For more information about Flagship’s airport cleaning services, visit the aviation services page.