The industrial and commercial maintenance sectors are at a critical juncture, poised for a significant evolution. Integrating advanced technologies is not a theoretical prospect but a pressing need that promises to make facilities more immaculate, safe, and sustainable in 2025. Autonomous robotics, IoT-enabled smart buildings, and AI-driven predictive systems are not just buzzwords, but practical solutions that directly address the escalating demands of facility managers.
With hygiene regulations tightening and expectations on the rise, these technologies are improving efficiency, meeting sustainability targets, and raising cleanliness standards.
The growing importance of disinfection and hygiene
COVID-19 has changed our daily lives and perception of better-kept industrial and commercial spaces – what was once a routine task has become crucial for safety and productivity. According to a report by CSP, 53 per cent of consumers now view cleanliness as “crucial” when making decisions, a substantial increase from the previous year.
Facility managers are swiftly adopting new technologies to streamline operations, reduce labour costs, and meet the rising demands for cleanliness. Managing large, multi-floor spaces demands constant attention and coordination, but robotics, AI, and IoT systems empower facility managers to be in control of their practices.
IoT-enabled smart buildings
The foundation of this technological revolution is IoT-powered smart buildings. Powered by sensors, data analytics, and robotic automation, these spaces provide real-time insights into systems like HVAC and custodial schedules. Facility managers can optimize resource allocation by analyzing air quality, foot traffic, and occupancy data, cutting expenses and raising productivity.
A recent International Facility Management Association (IFMA) survey revealed that 70 per cent of facility managers now view digital transformation as a core strategic initiative, signaling a prominent shift towards more intelligent and reliable building management.
Integrating with building systems such as elevators, autonomous robots are already being deployed worldwide to optimize cleaning timetables and routes, bolstering hygiene and process performance.
The impact of IoT-supported smart buildings and robotics goes beyond just keeping floors swept and toilets scrubbed – they leverage automation to cut energy usage, decrease waste, and elevate tenant satisfaction. By combining IoT and robotic automation, facility managers are unlocking a new era of performance aligned with cost-effective and sustainability goals.
Automation is the backbone of modern maintenance
The rise of robotics is undeniably steering the future of industrial and commercial maintenance. Floor cleaning robots can vacuum, sweep, mop, and scrub with exceptional speed and precision, demonstrating the bright future of maintenance.
Service robots also assist building management businesses by delivering goods to different floors, greeting patrons, or carrying trash receptacles. These robots can quickly cover vast areas, equipped with AI, sensors, and groundbreaking navigation systems.
Studies show that 80 per cent of facility management professionals agree that technology is profoundly overhauling the industry, underscoring the broad acceptance of automation as a critical solution.
These autonomous robots can detect dirt and debris, classify high-traffic areas, identify items in their delivery trays, and display information on their screens. By deploying sanitization and service efforts only when and where needed, robots can help facility management companies be more consistent and discerning with their care.
Autonomous cleaning robots offer a standout advantage: 24/7 operation. Since these robots can operate in low light, they can consistently uphold the strict criteria of pristine and protected facilities. These robots help create a more streamlined facility by minimizing downtime.
Green cleaning practices for forward-thinking businesses
Sustainability has emerged as a key theme in the future of industrial maintenance. As consumer demand for eco-friendly practices increases and environmental regulations become more stringent, sustainability will play a progressively vital role in shaping facility maintenance strategies.
Alyona Zakharchenko, an expert from Samsic UK, predicts eco-friendly cleaning agents will dominate the market by 2025, driven by growing consumer awareness and stricter environmental requirements.
Autonomous robots equipped with energy-efficient systems align with sustainability goals while also trimming overhead budgets. Using refined mapping algorithms, floor cleaning robots minimize water consumption by 85 per cent over traditional equipment and 91 per cent compared to mops and buckets. They’re also compatible with biodegradable or plant-based agents, making them more eco-friendly since many traditional methods need harsh agents.
UV disinfection robots are gaining popularity in healthcare and hospitality for their chemical-free sanitation. Offering a safer, eco-friendly alternative, they maintain high hygiene standards without compromising efficacy.
AI and predictive analytical offer proactive maintenance
AI and predictive analytics are redefining how facility managers approach maintenance. By analyzing real-time sensor data (such as temperature, humidity, and foot traffic) AI identifies upkeep needs and predicts when equipment requires servicing. This shift from reactive to proactive management lowers downtime, boosts revenue, extends asset life, and stabilizes procedures. Studies show that 65 per cent of organizations now use generative AI in at least one business function, up from just 33 per cent the previous year.
AI is modernizing cleaning robotics, sharpening their faculties, intelligence, and capabilities like never before. Industrial sweepers with AI sensors can detect debris and adjust their sanitization patterns on the fly, a development that is sure to excite facility managers about the potential of these technologies.
Automation combined with AI drives a new era of intelligent, high-performance governance across industries by upgrading maintenance strategies and robotic cleaning.
Human-to-Robot collaboration (HRC)
The future of commercial and industrial hygiene will not rely solely on robots; it will be a combination of human and robot collaboration or Hybrid Human-to-Robot Collaboration. In this model, robots handle repetitive tasks like floor scrubbing, while custodians focus on more complex duties, such as sanitizing sensitive areas or interacting with customers.
This cooperative approach solves multiple challenges for facility managers. HRC addresses labour shortages by promoting robots to take over tasks typically done by humans, allowing workers to focus on value-added activities. It boosts employee morale and organizational efficiency.
According to research, businesses can use service and cleaning robots to mitigate labour costs while maintaining immaculate surfaces.
With HRC, routine tasks are automated, allowing teams to focus on high-impact work that elevates productivity, invigorates morale, and delivers more pristine, risk-free spaces for everyone.
Data security and the growing role of cybersecurity
As IoT devices and AI-powered systems become increasingly prevalent, data security has emerged as a pressing concern for facility managers.
Studies show that 27 per cent of building managers experienced cyberattacks on operational technology (OT) systems, underscoring the urgent need for strong cybersecurity measures.
The proliferation of connected devices has amplified vulnerabilities, making robust defences essential.
Technology manufacturers confront these challenges by implementing encrypted software updates, anonymized data collection, and secured cloud storage. These strategies not only shield building service companies against cyber threats but also empower facility managers to harness IoT and AI technologies confidently.
By fortifying data security, companies bolster workflow resilience, build customer trust, and reduce the risk of exorbitantly damaging data breaches.
In the era of smart buildings and automation, safeguarding data is not optional, it is imperative. As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, facility managers must prioritize system security to protect both functional integrity and customer privacy.
Digital transformation for the ultimate competitive advantage
IoT and automation are no longer optional; they are essential for facility managers striving to stay competitive. As Brian Prendergast of JLL/Technology aptly states, “Disruption is becoming the new normal, and facility managers must be tech-savvy to capitalize on the opportunities provided by AI, IoT, and automation.”
Embracing these technologies enables companies to reduce expenses, enhance sustainability, minimize waste, and optimize building performance, setting them apart as industry leaders. In 2025, IoT-enabled smart buildings, AI systems, and autonomous robots will become the benchmark for savvy building service businesses. These technologies will allow facility managers to create hygienic, resilient, modern spaces and provide renewed transparency to achieve significant executive and financial targets.
Facility managers who prioritize digital transformation, leverage robotic automation, and adopt predictive analytics will amplify their organizational efficiency and take the lead in environmental responsibility and safety standards for their clients.
As General Manager, Americas & Australia, Raymond Pan leads Pudu Robotics’ growth in the Americas and Australia, leveraging deep expertise in automation, global markets, and strategic leadership. Pudu Robotics is a global leader in service robotics, transforming industries with cutting-edge automation and securing nearly 1,000 patents while shipping over 80,000 robots across 60+ countries.
Additional sources
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