Durham College has introduced a futuristic element to its campus maintenance with the launch of an autonomous scrubber robot.
This eco-friendly and high-tech machine is designed to keep the college’s hallways, classrooms and shared spaces clean, efficiently reducing manual labour and enhancing campus operations. However, the real test of this technology’s capabilities will be revealed as winter approaches.
Steve, the operator of the robot, shared insights into how it functions. “In an area that’s not been cleaned, you start by mapping it. You’re recording the area you want the machine to clean. You save it, and then it does its job,” he explained.
The robot’s ability to remember mapped areas ensures that it cleans precisely where it is needed, without needing manual guidance each time.
Launched at the start of the fall term the robot has become a daily presence on campus, operating for about two and a half to three hours per battery charge. “It’s used every day and runs for about three hours tops,” Steve said.
Despite its consistent usage, Steve pointed out that the true measure of its performance will come during the winter months when the robot will need to handle salt, sand and other debris typical of Canadian winters. “That’s when we’re going to know how good it is,” he said.
For some students, the robot represents an exciting leap into a more tech-driven campus. Maheen Wasi, a Durham College student, said she was surprised to see the robot in action. “Usually, you don’t see robots on campus,” she said. “You usually see students and animals, so I found that interesting.”
However, everything has its pros and cons.
Hamza Ali, another Durham College student, shared concerns about the robot’s navigation. “I’ve seen it sometimes hit the slippery floor sign. It can also accidentally bump into my bag, and my bag has my laptop and books,” he explained.
While these incidents may be minor, they reflect the challenges that autonomous machines can face in navigating dynamic environments with many obstacles.
One of the key features of the robot is its eco-friendliness. By reducing water usage and minimizing the need for chemical cleaning agents, it aligns with Durham College’s environmental goals.
The initiative to introduce the robot came from the college itself, according to Steve. “Durham College purchased it,” he said. “Not the cleaning department.”
The robot, sourced from China, costs approximately $60,000, and its high-tech features reflect that price.
Even though the robot’s work takes place mostly during the night, leaving the floors clean by the time the cleaning staff arrives in the morning, Steve remains cautiously optimistic about its long-term impact on campus. “Once winter comes, you’re going to have salt, sand—you name it. That’s when we’ll know how good it really is.”
As campus technology evolves, so do the conversations around its impact on daily life. The autonomous scrubber robot may still have a few quirks to work out, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of campus maintenance.