How Autonomous Cleaning Is Reshaping the Future of Commercial Facilities

What inspired ISSA Show North America to launch the Robotics & Autonomous Cleaning Experience (R.A.C.E.), and why is now the right time for this dedicated robotics showcase?

Over the past 2-3 years, we've witnessed remarkable growth in robotics participation at our show—both in the number of companies exhibiting robotic technology and the diversity of solutions on display. What's particularly striking is how adoption has evolved across our key audiences: distributors, facility managers, and building service contractors.

We've reached an inflection point in the cleaning industry. Robotics is no longer a futuristic concept—it's a proven, operational reality delivering measurable value today. The Robotic and Autonomous Cleaning Experience reflects that shift, providing a dedicated platform to showcase the maturity and breadth of autonomous cleaning solutions now transforming the industry.

The Robotic and Autonomous Cleaning Experience will feature more than 40 robotics companies and live demonstrations. How do you expect this hands-on experience to accelerate the adoption of autonomous cleaning technologies across commercial facilities?

The Robotic and Autonomous Cleaning Experience offers something truly unique: the ability for commercial facilities professionals to see, compare, and evaluate 40 different robotic technologies in one place over just three days. Replicating that experience independently could take months—and significant resources.

Beyond the technology itself, the real accelerator is peer-to-peer learning. Attendees will engage in candid conversations about real-world applications, challenges, and successes. These interactions often open eyes to use cases they hadn't considered and broaden their understanding of how autonomous solutions can address their specific operational needs. That combination of hands-on exploration and shared insights is what will drive faster, more confident adoption.

Labor shortages remain one of the industry's biggest challenges. How can autonomous cleaning robots complement human workers while improving productivity and service quality?

Labor shortages are arguably the most pressing challenge facing our industry today. Autonomous cleaning robots address this by providing reliable capacity for tasks that are difficult to staff consistently. Importantly, these robots work side-by-side with cleaning professionals—not in place of them. Together, they create a more efficient, productive operation that elevates service quality.

I want to be clear on this point: no one is being replaced by autonomous cleaning robots. These technologies augment human teams, allowing professionals to focus on higher-value tasks while robots handle repetitive, labor-intensive work. The result is a smarter, more sustainable workforce model that benefits both employees and organizations.

AI, robotics, and data-driven facility management are rapidly converging. Which emerging technologies do you believe will have the greatest impact on the cleaning industry over the next five years?

All three will be transformative—and increasingly, they'll work in concert. Cleaning professionals are the backbone of the U.S. economy, but they're not immune to the pressure of doing more with less. Meeting that challenge requires leveraging data to make smarter, more proactive decisions.

AI and robotics provide the operational muscle, while data-driven insights enable predictive and preventative facility management. Together, these technologies empower cleaning teams to shift from reactive to strategic operations, optimizing resource allocation, improving outcomes, and demonstrating measurable ROI. Over the next five years, organizations that integrate these capabilities will gain a significant competitive advantage. 

What criteria did ISSA use when selecting robotics exhibitors, and what innovations are you most excited for attendees to experience at the Robotic and Autonomous Cleaning Experience?

Given that The Robotic and Autonomous Cleaning Experience is a new initiative, our primary criterion is straightforward: exhibitors must offer robotic technology with a clear application for the cleaning industry. To encourage broad participation, we're providing complimentary access to our two demonstration areas and opportunities to present in the Robotics Theater.

What excites me most is the diversity of applications attendees will discover—many extending beyond traditional cleaning tasks. Our goal is for cleaning professionals to leave the show with a fundamentally expanded view of what's possible. We want them to see not just individual products, but a landscape of opportunity that can transform how they operate and deliver value.

Many organizations are still evaluating the return on investment of robotic cleaning solutions. How will ISSA help facility managers and contractors make informed implementation decisions?

We've invested significant time understanding what our attendees need to make confident decisions, and the message is clear: they don't want a sales pitch. They want transparency—real case studies, honest peer conversations, and the truth about what works, what doesn't, and what happens after the purchase.

That's why we're coaching presenters in our show floor theater to share both successes and challenges. Attendees want to understand the full picture: implementation hurdles, ongoing service requirements, and long-term support. By fostering this level of candor, we're creating an environment where facility managers and contractors can make truly informed, strategic investment decisions. 

Beyond showcasing technology, how is ISSA fostering collaboration between robotics manufacturers, software developers, distributors, and facility service providers to drive industry innovation?

The name "Robotics & Autonomous Cleaning Experience" was very intentional. This won’t be a static pavilion—it's a dynamic ecosystem designed to spark collaboration. Individual brands will be on display with knowledgeable staff, but the real magic happens when those conversations evolve into live demonstrations and partnership discussions.

Our show floor theater will feature panel discussions bringing together manufacturers, software developers, distributors, and service providers. These sessions will explore how these segments currently collaborate, where untapped opportunities exist, and how the success of autonomous technologies depends on strong, interdependent partnerships across the value chain. We're creating the conditions for innovation to flourish through connection.

Looking ahead, how do you envision ISSA Show North America evolving as the premier platform for robotics, AI, and autonomous solutions in the global cleaning and facility management industry?

We're fortunate to have a strong partnership with ISSA, the industry's largest association, which enables us to convene the most comprehensive gathering of cleaning professionals anywhere. That foundation positions us uniquely to lead as robotics and AI reshape the industry.

As the Robotic and Autonomous Cleaning Experience grows—and it will—we'll continue expanding our steering committee to include diverse stakeholders who can contribute content, applications, and strategic direction. This collaborative approach ensures the Experience remains not only relevant but essential to our constituents. Our vision is for ISSA Show North America to be the global epicenter where the future of autonomous cleaning is demonstrated, debated, and ultimately defined.