Press Release – Birmingham Airport Introduces Robots into its Cleaning Regime via Mitie

Leading regional and award-winning airport, Birmingham Airport has introduced robotic vacuum cleaners into its cleaning programme in partnership with Mitie Cleaning Services.

You can now find Hives of Abbees (robotic vacuums) working in the departure gates at Birmingham Airport.

Mitie, the UK’s leading facilities management company, provides cleaning services throughout the Airport and has introduced robots into the departure gates as part of the night time vacuuming program. The Abbees intelligently guide themselves round the airport and have increased productivity by freeing up staff to focus on more complex tasks. Due to the success of the introduction of the Abbees they are also now used in the Executive Lounges.

The robots are supplied by The Perfect Little Company, an Oxfordshire based business that has developed a simple but effective system for managing multiple robots. This solution for commercial use is now employed in many corporate buildings.

Birmingham Airport’s, Terminal Operations Manager, Deane Arnold commented: “We’ve been using the Abbee robots from TPLC for a couple of months now. In addition to it releasing time for the cleaning staff and improving cleaning standards the robots work continuously. Our passengers enjoy watching them work seamlessly around the departure gates. After winning the ‘Best UK Airport’ in 2018 we’re always looking at innovative ways to ensure the best customer services to our passengers”.

Managing Director of Mitie Cleaning and Environmental Services, Matthew Thompson added “We are always looking for ways to improve services for our clients, such as introducing new ground-breaking technology and innovation. Robo cleaners are just one example of how technology can support our staff, add value for clients and increase sustainability.”

Michael Richardson, Managing Director of The Perfect Little Company (TPLC) said “Our solution employing the patented Hive trolley makes using robots very easy. In addition to the usual benefits we also offer an optional virtual wall system which keeps the Abbees from sneaking off from their allocated gate.”

TPLC also provide robot commercial solutions to other large organisation such as Vodafone, the BBC, Credit Suisse and many schools.