With labour shortages and rising National Insurance Contributions, facilities management (FM) companies are turning to labour-saving technologies to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and improve operations. At this year’s Workplace Event, innovations like AI-driven workforce scheduling, robotic cleaners, and smart building management systems were showcased as solutions to these challenges.
Autocanteen: Revolutionising Workplace Dining
Autocanteen’s AI-powered checkout system is transforming workplace dining. By recognizing meals instantly without barcodes, it streamlines food service and reduces transaction times, enabling FM teams to optimise operations:
- Workplace Dining Optimisation: Cuts queue times and staffing needs, with real-time inventory tracking.
- Cost Efficiency: AI analytics reduce waste and optimise ordering.
- Seamless Integration: Compatible with cashless payment and management platforms.
- Employee Experience: Enhances convenience, improving staff satisfaction.
Autocanteen has been successfully implemented in various workplaces, universities, and healthcare facilities where in one case 65 hours of queuing was saved, speed of service improved to 17 customers per minute at peak times and 650 labour days were saved by the removal/redeployments of staff at till locations. In another case there was a 120% return on investment.
Drone Clean UK: Aerial Cleaning for Efficiency and Safety
Drone Clean UK uses drone technology to clean high-rise buildings, windows, and industrial sites safely and efficiently. Its key applications include:
- High-Rise & Window Cleaning: Replaces scaffolding, reducing costs and improving safety.
- Solar Panel & Industrial Cleaning: Cleans delicate surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.
- Roof & Gutter Maintenance: Detects potential damage while cleaning.
The technology offers cost savings, reduces manual labour, and cleans up to five times faster than traditional methods, all while maintaining eco-friendly practices.
Cleaning Robotics: AI-Driven Innovation
Advancements in cleaning robotics, including AI-powered navigation, autonomous floor cleaning, and eco-friendly innovations, are reshaping FM. Key benefits include:
- Labour Reduction: Robotics help reduce reliance on manual labour, cutting costs by 40%.
- Cost Efficiency: AI-driven systems optimise resource usage, reducing operational costs by 22%.
- Sustainability: Reduces water and chemical usage by 76%, supporting green initiatives.
- Hygiene Standards: UV-C robots eliminate 99.99% of bacteria, ensuring high hygiene standards.
These technologies provide FM providers with tools to address labour shortages, improve cost efficiency, and meet sustainability goals.
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