RAS | CO-OWNERSHIP OF CLEANING ROBOTS
GOALS OF THE PROJECT:
- Research whether technology can solve key challenges faced by the professional cleaning sector
- Explore the ethical, practical, and organizational aspects of using robotics in office cleaning
- Develop concepts, prototypes, and an implementation roadmap tailored to the cleaning industry
- Engage all relevant stakeholders—cleaners, employers, and policy makers—throughout the process
Background & Description:
Automation and robotics are increasingly used across industries, including professional office cleaning. The cleaning sector faces multiple interconnected challenges: physical and psychosocial strain on workers, staff shortages, and financial pressure on companies. This project, commissioned by RAS, asked whether and how technology might alleviate these problems.
Two EngD students from the University of Twente, Roy van Zijl and Thomas Raub, led the research:
- Thomas Raub developed a toolbox focusing on norms, values, and stakeholder perspectives
- Roy van Zijl worked on prototyping and implementing cleaning technologies
The project began with defining industry challenges via literature research and stakeholder sessions. After confirming technology’s potential, the team conducted co-design workshops and market research to define sector-specific needs.
Five technology concepts were developed—ranging from sketches and animations to working prototypes. These were iteratively tested with cleaners, employers, and industry representatives to evaluate effectiveness and usability.
The final output was a roadmap that outlined how the sector could integrate these technologies responsibly, with attention to innovation barriers and stakeholder inclusion.
Consortium:
- The Council for Industrial Relations in the Cleaning and Window Cleaning Industry
- University of Twente
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