Cleaning robot R3 delivers an even cleaner swimming pool

With a facility that is only closed two days a year and where working conditions are quite intensive - think of chlorine fumes, heat, noise and large surface areas - keeping De Tongelreep clean is a real challenge. The arrival of a first cleaning robot is therefore an important step.

Basten: "For us, the sustainable employability of our people is very important. It is essential that everyone can continue working in good health and with satisfaction until retirement age. We aim to create a good balance between work and rest and look at where we can reduce workload in an efficient way. Job satisfaction is central to this."

Basten has been following the trend of robotisation in cleaning since 2018. "We started here with manual scrubbing, then moved to mechanised scrubbing, from a walk-behind to a ride-on machine, and now, as a recent development, the use of cleaning robots. Each step helps us improve the work balance."

The collaboration between BOMA Netherlands and Eindhoven Sport in terms of products and materials started two years ago. The lines with BOMA's Robotics team were therefore very short. "The enthusiasm of Jeroen Evers, what he explained about the use of the machines, how BOMA approaches this, and a follow-up meeting at Interclean, where the REX was introduced, convinced me that the goal I had in mind - reducing the workload for my team - had to be achievable. For me, it's a real win-win situation: we didn't just find a supplier, but a true partner with whom we strengthen each other."

In addition to the sustainable employability of staff, the environmental aspect also plays an important role in the use of a cleaning robot. "Although it is a robot that consumes electricity, it uses much less water compared to many other machines, and that water contains chemicals. So this also results in gains."

However, staff remain the main reason for deploying the R3. Enjoyment at work, avoiding repetitive, monotonous and physically demanding tasks, and preventing injuries. "At De Tongelreep, mechanical scrubbing is carried out continuously for 4 to 5 hours a day. In an eight-hour working day, that is a long time sitting, making the work repetitive and monotonous. This leads to a loss of concentration, increasing the risk of errors and potential damage to or caused by the machines. Staff can therefore focus more on details and more specific tasks for which there is currently little time. This also results in a better cleaning experience for visitors."

For now, the R3 is programmed to clean the entrance and corridors. A next step could be its use in the changing rooms: 18 changing rooms need to be mopped daily, either manually or mechanically, which is labour-intensive. In addition, this must be done within a relatively short time frame.

"We already have one machine in operation at De Tongelreep. But one is not enough. In the long term, expanding the use of cleaning robots is desirable. However, we first look at: how can we take this further? How can we build on the improvements already achieved? It is a dynamic project that we will continue to optimize together with BOMA."

"Alongside the R3, Rex is also ready to get to work for the City of Eindhoven. Rex is planned for a sports hall where it will address a specific cleaning challenge. Resin used by handball teams remains on the sports floor, and there is no cleaning staff present during the weekend. As a result, Monday morning is currently a peak moment for the cleaning team, who have to rush to remove the resin before schools start their PE classes," explains Basten. "That is neither pleasant nor efficient. We want to start mechanical scrubbing as soon as possible after the resin is left behind. Rex is programmed to run its cycle several times during the night. The sports hall is set up so the cleaning crew can prepare Rex on Friday. This way, the team does not have to worry. We have multiple locations where robots are a valuable addition to the team."

"Basten is very satisfied with the collaboration with BOMA. The main advantage: BOMA acts quickly, service is efficient, and communication lines are short. The collaboration is ideal and highly professional. It allows both parties to keep improving together, with a clear focus on the future and further development of the partnership."