Robotics for Facilities Management 29 May 2024

The recent symposium on Robotics for Facilities Management brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and institutional representatives to explore the transformative potential of robotics in this field. A heartfelt thank you to the speakers: Mr Meng Fai Tung, National Robotics Programme’s Deputy Chief Executive; Mr Ramendra Pratap Singh, OCS’ Managing Director and Dr Wong Choon Yue (黄俊亿), PhD, QUIKBOT TECHNOLOGIES’s Co- Founder and Chief Engineering Officer for their invaluable insights on fostering a collaborative ecosystem, encouraging the adoption of robotics solutions, and addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies.

A key theme was the importance of uniting institutions and industries through a robotics lens. Demonstrating the tangible benefits of robotics and understanding the strengths of both robots and humans are crucial to encouraging adoption. Robotics should be seen as a complement to the human workforce, particularly in achieving outcome-based contracting. One challenge is providing data-driven solutions that deliver visible and verifiable cleaning services in real time. Other challenges include the need for interoperability among different brands of robots and resolving human-robot conflicts to create a seamless operational environment. Cultural aspects and social stigmas, particularly regarding the use of robots for tasks like washroom cleaning, were also identified as areas needing attention.

High capital expenditure is a significant barrier to adopting robotics. Exploring financing options and considering robotics as a service can make these technologies more accessible.

The fireside chat emphasized that while full automation may be a distant goal, the current focus should be on empowering the workforce through robotics and technology. By fostering collaboration, addressing financial challenges, and promoting the integration of digital tools, the facilities management industry can significantly enhance its services and meet the evolving demands of customers.