Custodians and janitorial workers have long played a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of various facilities. But with one of the highest turnover rates of any profession, a shortage of janitorial workers is an ongoing concern for facility managers. Now, with the increasing adoption of robotic automation, this field is undergoing a significant shift that offers the potential for greater job satisfaction and a more reliable workforce. 

 

Autonomous robots, equipped with advanced sensors, autonomous navigation, and machine learning, are becoming integral to the maintenance process. Assets such as autonomous floor cleaning units and delivery robots provide a new, highly efficient paradigm that can lighten and redirect custodial workloads. Not only that—these machines, often employed by facilities in fleets of two or more units, open up new avenues for career growth and upskilling for custodial staff.

 

The incorporation of autonomous robots introduces the concept of what Pringle Robotics calls BoT Masters – individuals who are skilled in managing and overseeing the operation of standalone assets and robotic fleets within the facilities management framework. Due to their day-to-day familiarity with janitorial SOPs and unique facility requirements, both individual custodians and custodial supervisors are uniquely positioned to transition into a BoT Master role. Because the transition from custodian to BoT Master involves acquiring a diverse skill set that goes beyond traditional janitorial duties, a great BoT-Master-in-the-making should possess some of the following qualities:

 

Potential BoT Masters should have the willingness to become technically proficient in understanding the operation and maintenance of robotic assets. This includes knowledge of the robot's sensors, navigation systems, and troubleshooting capabilities, as well as any fleet management/tracking software or platforms. While a solutions provider like Pringle Robotics provides ongoing, comprehensive support, it’s ideal to have one or more people on staff who are both willing and able to take on frontline operation of the assets. 

 

Some current staff members may be naturally drawn to this type of technical know-how, and should be supported through appropriate training and time spent learning Bot operation and fleet management.

 

Today’s autonomous floor cleaning robots come with the incredible benefit of real-time data tracking and cleaning transparency. While cleaning reports and data are accessible on each individual unit, this information is even more useful when viewed on the macro level using a platform like Pringle NOC, which encompasses all connected assets and provides both a high-level and granular view of robot performance, efficiency, and task completion.

 

A good BoT Master will possess or be able to develop the data analysis skills necessary to take ownership of this type of oversight, making smart decisions about workflow optimization or required maintenance according to insights revealed by the data.

 

Ideally, someone who fills the role of BoT Master will possess the collaboration and communication skills necessary to pass their knowledge along to other team members. They’ll be able to effectively demonstrate robot operation and train others on basic functions like task creation, routine preventive maintenance, and best practices. And their general comfort level with what is still a relatively new technology should help put other team members at ease, encouraging them to take full advantage of these highly efficient tools.

 

BoT Masters play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of floor cleaning robots through preventive maintenance. People in this role should display an innate conscientiousness and interest in keeping these valuable machines operating at peak performance. While next-generation autonomous floor cleaning units like the CC1, CC3, and CC5 have self-maintenance functionality (automatic tank fill/empty and some self-cleaning), basic routine maintenance such as wiping down sensors, screens and squeegees, cleaning filters, or replacing brushes, are all things that should be completed regularly. And because these BoTs are software-driven and online, regularly checking for and installing software updates is essential to a good maintenance program. BoT Masters will take ownership of this process and know how to access outside support when needed.

 

While Pringle Robotics provides robust training and ongoing support to our clients (with particular focus on those who will take on BoT Operator and BoT Master roles), companies can further support the transition with intentional educational programming designed to bridge the gap between traditional custodial roles and the emerging requirements of managing robotic fleets. Key components of these upskilling initiatives include:

 

Hands-on workshops provide custodial staff with practical experience in operating and maintaining floor cleaning robots. Technical training covers the basics of robotic systems, troubleshooting common issues, and ensuring the safety protocols are followed.

 

For BoT Masters seeking a deeper understanding of robotic technology, online courses focusing on automation technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, can be a great resource. These courses are often designed to accommodate flexible schedules, enabling custodial staff to balance work and learning.

 

As BoT Masters take on more work related to training other staff on robot operation, they too can benefit from additional training programs focusing on knowledge sharing and leadership best practices. This training might cover things like effective communication, team coordination, and decision-making in a technology-integrated environment. Organizations should foster a culture of continuous learning to ensure that BoT Masters and other custodial staff stay updated on the latest advancements and standards.

 

The incorporation of floor cleaning robots not only provides custodians with the opportunity to upskill but also opens doors to career progression within the field of facilities management. Some of these roles will require foresight and an openness to new approaches on the part of the facility.

 

Not every custodian who interacts with and uses a facility’s robots will have the desire or ability to take on a more comprehensive role as a BoT Master. But learning to initiate basic BoT functionality, such as scanning wall markers and starting tasks or performing basic maintenance, provides staff members with valuable skills for the increasingly tech-driven future of work. It also makes their jobs easier by allowing them to efficiently offload time-consuming tasks to the robots.

 

BoT Operators can transition into BoT Master roles, if desired, as they learn more about comprehensive robot management, maintenance, and monitoring. As previously discussed, these specialists focus on the intricacies of robotic fleet management, becoming go-to personnel for technical support and optimization of a facility’s robot assets.

 

With a comprehensive understanding of both traditional custodial duties and advanced automation technologies, BoT Masters could progress into roles such as Facilities Automation Manager. In this role, they might oversee the entire automation framework within facilities management, including the integration of various automated assets beyond floor cleaning robots.

 

BoT Masters who have displayed a real knack for knowledge sharing and collaboration may choose to transition into roles focused on training and development. Here, they can play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of Bot Masters, passing on their knowledge and experience to ensure a skilled and supported team.

 

As individuals climb the career ladder, they may eventually reach strategic positions within facilities management. These roles involve shaping the organization's overall approach to technology integration, sustainability, and innovation in facilities maintenance.

 

The rapid integration of autonomous robots into facilities management is not just transforming how we maintain cleanliness in our spaces but is also creating unique opportunities for companies to reimagine what a career in jan-san and facilities management looks like. Custodians transitioning into the role of BoT Operator, BoT Master, and beyond exemplify the future of work and the positive potential promised by technological innovation. Through targeted upskilling programs, custodial staff can acquire the skills needed to manage robotic fleets effectively, opening doors to diverse career paths within facilities management.

 

Are you interested in exploring facility management automation? Get in touch with our BoT experts!