Supermarket giant Morrisons has teamed up with facilities management provider OCS to introduce cutting-edge robotic cleaning technology across its UK logistics sites. The move aims to boost efficiency, improve hygiene, and free up staff for more specialised tasks.
Building on an existing eight-year partnership, which sees OCS service Morrisons’ stores, logistics hubs, and manufacturing facilities, the companies have introduced cobotic cleaning machines, or “cobots”. These machines were selected for their advanced software and ability to integrate with an Internet of Things system, allowing for sophisticated cleaning operations.
The rollout followed rigorous health and safety assessments, including initial manned mapping sessions to ensure the robots could navigate the warehouse environments safely. OCS teams also underwent specialist training with the manufacturers, in conjunction with Morrisons’ own health and safety personnel.
The cobots operate autonomously, cleaning designated areas when not in use, leading to deeper and more efficient cleaning. They map both scheduled and live usage of areas, maximising cleaning time and achieving productivity levels of seven to eight hours per day. Recent testing at one site showed a 30% improvement in cleaning efficiency.
Equipped with a 25-metre sensor radius, the robots are designed not to disrupt the work of Morrisons’ onsite teams. By taking over floor cleaning, they allow OCS staff to concentrate on more complex cleaning duties.
Andy Cawdron, Sector Managing Director for Food and Distribution at OCS UK, said: “OCS is thrilled to collaborate with Morrisons to introduce cutting-edge cobotic cleaning technology across Morrisons’ logistics sites. By integrating Tennant’s T16 machines, chosen for their robustness and advanced software capabilities, we are enhancing cleaning efficiency and safety standards. We view this as an innovative step to revolutionising our ways of working within OCS and for our customers and we are delighted Morrisons have come on this journey with us.”
Julia Moorhouse, Procurement Manager at Morrisons, added: “We are excited to partner with OCS to introduce innovative cobotic technology to our logistics sites. This collaboration not only enhances our cleaning efficiency and hygiene standards but also allows our onsite teams to focus on more critical tasks. The introduction of Tennant’s T16 machines has significantly improved productivity and cleanliness, ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment. This initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging advanced technology to drive operational excellence and cost savings.”
The companies believe this initiative sets a new standard for cleaning operations in the industry.
