Scotmid Co-op and its cleaning partner, Spotless Commercial Cleaning, are rolling out robotic cleaning machines across 14 stores following a successful trial, with the technology designed to support existing cleaning teams by taking on routine floor-cleaning tasks.
The Gausium Phantas Pro machines will work alongside cleaning teams, using smart navigation to move safely around stores while scrubbing different types of flooring.
The rollout follows a trial last year and will allow cleaning teams to spend more time on tasks where people are needed most, supporting day-to-day store standards for customers and colleagues.
Designed for commercial environments including retail stores, the compact robots can operate in busy spaces by detecting and avoiding both static and moving obstacles.
Allan Robertson, Procurement and Sustainability Manager at Scotmid, said: “The trial showed colleagues could quickly see the benefit. By taking care of regular floor cleaning, the robots made a practical difference to the day-to-day running of the store.
“For our teams, it means more time can be spent where people are needed most, helping customers, dealing with spills or focusing on areas that need a human eye.
“It’s a practical example of innovation supporting colleagues, strengthening store standards and helping us provide the experience our members and customers expect.”
The robots will be operated and maintained by Scotmid’s cleaning partner, Spotless Commercial Cleaning, which has been reappointed to provide cleaning services to the Society for a further three years following a competitive tender process.
Spotless has worked with Scotmid for the past eight years, and the introduction of robotic cleaners forms part of its continued investment in new machinery and technology.
Carron Henley, CEO of Spotless Commercial Cleaning, said:
“We’re proud to build on our long-standing partnership with Scotmid and to support the introduction of robotic cleaning technology across these stores.
“Our teams know Scotmid’s stores well, and this investment reflects our shared commitment to finding practical ways to support colleagues, improve efficiency and maintain high standards for customers and members.”
