When one thinks of technology commonly used in the cleaning industry, autonomous floor scrubbers and smart, Internet of Things-connected dispensers and systems likely come to mind. Although you might not think about it, these technologies use artificial intelligence (AI).
Machines, integrated circuits and software used in the cleaning industry tap into AI as they use information to intentionally manage and perform cleaning tasks and related tasks. When we provide information and purpose to this apparatus, we largely control decisions and outcomes.
Information, purpose and control
AI has advanced rapidly in recent years thanks to greater computing power, larger language models in systems like ChatGPT, and better algorithms, which raises the question: “Who's in control, and what does it all mean?” Is?”
Interestingly, ChatGPT calls itself a language model, not a reasoning machine. Humans have provided the information and, to a large extent, have a purpose for, and therefore, some degree of control over, the results.
Henry's book “The Age of AI: And Our Human Future” notes, “Language models encode human text rather than providing a deep understanding of it, although they sometimes provide the appearance of such a deep understanding.” can present the form.” A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Daniel Hutton Locher.
So, in many ways, humans still control the AI, but with advanced technology, the AI has more ability to “think” at least within certain limits.
Currently, AI is not good at non-repetitive tasks. However, it is potentially good for repetitive tasks in professional cleaning—such as emptying the trash, dusting, and maintaining floors—that are primarily concerned with financial considerations. For example, building the perfect dusting robot would be an expensive task, where the size of an operation justifies the cost of development.
Assistive technology
Employee training is one area where AI is already helpful. Just as airline pilots train on simulators, cleaning workers can train using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
In the current environment, with the relatively low cost of entry-level guards and modest requirements for most jobs, technology solutions will not dominate most operations, at least as it relates to the labor involved in commercial cleaning efforts. . .
However, as access to assistive technologies such as AR and VR become less expensive—due to supply and demand market pressures or the ability to rent or lease these services—assistive or service tech will gradually become more affordable for many workers. It will become a part of daily life.
AI Applications in Cleaning
In addition to training workers, we can apply AI to professional cleaning in a variety of ways, such as:
- Autonomous cleaning equipment: AI can enable the development of smart cleaning robotic devices that can navigate complex environments, avoid obstacles, and perform various cleaning tasks, such as vacuuming, mopping, disinfecting, and sanitizing. These innovations can reduce the need for human labor, increase productivity, and improve quality and consistency. They may also collect and analyze data on cleaning performance, condition of facilities, and customer feedback to improve cleaning schedules, routes and methods.
- Occupancy sensor: Sensors that detect the presence or movement of people can help determine how often areas should be cleaned and where lighting and HVAC can be turned on or off to save energy. Is.
- Data Analysis: Companies can improve their labor placement efficiency by studying relevant data. For example, if an area receives a lot of foot traffic, cleaning operations can adjust schedules to focus more there.
- Smart cleaning products: AI can enable the development of intelligent cleaning products that can adapt to different types of surfaces, stains and dirt to deliver optimal amounts of cleaning agents, water and energy. These products can improve cleaning efficiency, quality and safety and reduce environmental impact and operational costs. They can also monitor and report on the use and performance of cleaning products and provide recommendations for maintenance and replenishment.
- Smart Cleaning Management: AI can enable the development of smart cleaning management systems that can integrate and analyze data from various sources—such as sensors, cameras, autonomous devices, products, and users—to provide real-time insights and actions for cleaning operations. To provide suggestions. These systems can help optimize cleaning resources, work flow, and results, and increase communication and collaboration between cleaning staff, managers, and clients. They can also provide feedback and training for cleaning staff and improve their skills and satisfaction.
- Content Creation: AI can create and translate original training materials, including procedural guides and checklists.
- Business Strategy: AI tools like ChatGPT and MSCopilot can provide marketing and business development strategies based on the quality provided.
- research: Major language models such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot use enable market analyses, determining customer preferences, although the results are not real-time as the information models used may be years out of date.
- Customer Service: ChatGPT or AI-powered chatbots can help generate customer service responses, answer frequently asked questions, direct questions to the right person or department, and book appointments.
Education is the first priority.
One definition of intelligence is the ability to acquire, assimilate and use information purposefully.
As concerns arise about AI's ability to take over society, riot or worse, it's wise to remember that AI grew out of human intelligence, not the other way around.
In principle, improving human capabilities through the practical application of knowledge should precede improving AI, and our ability to acquire, retain, and build on human knowledge and expand their skill sets. Capacity building of workers is a top priority.
Through expanded knowledge workers with a growth mindset can, in turn, help inform, develop, and maintain relevant AI for better sanitation that is grassroots, customer-focused, and financially sustainable. But attractive.