SME cleaning companies can also benefit from AI: 'But you have to experiment'

By: Anoek van der Riet

If you compare the cleaning industry with other sectors, you will see that real digitalization took a long time. But that is now changing, Tuip notes. 'I thought that the cleaning industry was always a bit behind. Because it was apparently not a sexy industry for young, technological talent to enter. But now I see more and more software companies and tech startups developing solutions for cleaning.'

He mentions drones for window cleaning as an example. 'Two years ago it was still small at the Interclean. But last September during CMS Berlin it was pretty much the hit of the fair. It attracted a lot of interest.'

AI Tournament during Interclean

Remarkably, real AI solutions in cleaning are still few and far between, according to Tuip. That is precisely why he organizes it together with IntercleanAI Tournament. “We want to show what AI can do for the industry.”

During the tournament at the Interclean, international AI students - from all over the world - work in teams on concrete solutions to cleaning challenges. “And the nice thing about AI is that it happens so fast that I think we can expect working prototypes by the end of the day.”

To prevent students from coming up with unconventional solutions, there is an extensive preliminary process. They receive an explanation about how the cleaning industry works and we link them to specialists. “So they come to the Interclean well prepared,” says Tuip.

He calls on visitors to the cleaning fair to come and take a look and talk to the teams.

[Intermezzo]The AI ​​Tournament takes placeon Tuesday April 15, day 2 of Interclean, inhall 8, the Experience Center. During the day, students will work in teams on AI solutions for the cleaning industry. At the end of the day, the teams pitch their solution to a professional jury. The winners receive a cash prize. Interested parties do not need to register and can simply join in.[End intermezzo]

AI as an accelerator

Tuip is enthusiastic about the possibilities of AI for the industry. For example, he talks about a collaboration between 'his' FacilityApps and Cleaning Workx, where AI is used for real-time translations during virtual reality training. “For example, the instructor can give the instruction in Dutch, but the cleaner hears it in his own language with the help of Ai,” Tuip outlines.

'This not only makes the training more efficient, but it also increases the quality. We now see that cleaners can pass the RAS exam in half the time with the help of VR and AI. That is perhaps the power of AI: realizing accelerations.'

Man as a delaying factor

Although Tuip believes in the added value of AI, he remains realistic. 'One way or another, AI will also change the cleaning industry. I think the most important question is: can we keep up the pace? Technological developments are moving very quickly, but they must be adopted. The delaying factor in these types of changes is people: they are used to working in a certain way and need time to master new technologies. Cleaning companies often lag behind in this regard.'

Learn by doing

His advice is to start working with AI now. Whether you have a large or small cleaning company. 'Start experimenting.Learn by doing: just going to try it. The more time you put into it, the more adept you become at it.'

No idea where to start? AI is part of the solution, Tuip explains. After all, you can simply ask ChatGPT or a similar program: I have a small cleaning company, in which areas can I improve my business using AI? He will then come up with suggestions himself, of which you can choose one to develop further.

'AI is relevant for many people. It also offers many opportunities for the cleaning industry," Tuip concludes. 'During the Interclean we want to show the industry what is possible. At the same time, it is a great way to give young talent an insight into cleaning and hopefully inspire them.'