Autonomous cleaning robots added to the GCSU Facilities team

Students, faculty and staff may have noticed some new additions to a few of the more high-traffic areas of campus this semester. 

To help maintain and elevate the cleanliness of the Georgia College & State University campus, the Facilities Department purchased four autonomous cleaning robots earlier this year. The fleet includes two floor scrubbers operating in the Arts & Sciences building, one floor vacuum in Russell Library and one floor vacuum serving the Centennial Center.

These robots were introduced to offset routine floor-cleaning tasks, allowing custodians to focus on the detailed work that requires a human touch. By taking on scheduled floor care, the robots have freed up custodial staff to spend more time on high dusting, stairwell cleaning, classroom detailing and maintaining other heavily-used areas throughout campus, helping raise the overall standard of cleanliness.

“While autonomous cleaning robots are not a new concept, bringing this technology to Georgia College marked an exciting step forward,” said James Anderson, GCSU director of building services. “The purpose behind the investment was simple: to support the work of our excellent custodial staff and continue enhancing the level of service provided across campus.”

The robots operate using lidar, an advanced mapping and navigation technology that allows them to clean designated areas safely and efficiently. Once programmed, they can perform routine cleaning functions with minimal supervision while working alongside students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“By combining innovative technology with the dedication and expertise of GCSU's custodial staff, Building Services continues to provide cleaner facilities for learning and working while improving operational efficiency,” Anderson said.