Melbourne’s new cleaning robots will use AI, sophisticated sensors and hi-tech cameras

AI-powered “co-bots” are being rolled out at Victorian grocery stores and the US-based company that makes the machines has explained how they will affect local workers.

The AI-powered robot X4 ROVR will soon be sweeping through major supermarkets in Melbourne.

Melbourne shoppers are being urged to keep an eye out for AI-powered robots rolling past this month following the launch of an automated cleaning service.

The X4 ROVR will make its Victorian debut at major grocery chains and shopping centres around the city, following in the footsteps of international retailers Walmart and TK Maxx.

Like something out of the Disney Pixar classic Wall-E, the X4 ROVR appears to have a mind of its own – using AI technology and sophisticated 3D sensors to mop up spills and clean floors.

Developed and launched by US-based cleaning company Tennant, the handy machine has been touted as a useful ‘co-bot’ rather than a replacement for human cleaning staff.

The Herald Sun was allowed access to see the X4 ROVR in action, caught roaming around a shopping centre in Melbourne’s northwest as part of its launch.

Drawing the eye of shoppers walking by, the robot went about its duties, navigating around corners and through tables and chairs all by itself.

Tennant Australia Autonomous Mobile Robot support manager Keegan Hendricks said cleaning staff are able to manually push the machine at first before it learns and adapts to its environment.

“Working together, with the software, it’s able to see the world in a 3D image … it’s able to navigate around the public and work safely in any type of environment,” Mr Hendricks said.

Once a map has been drawn and remembered, the robot is able to be tracked and controlled remotely from a mobile app as it goes about its work automatically.

Making use of high-quality cameras, the robot will avoid people and objects in its way, unlike a robot you might find cleaning floors at your home.

The cleaning robot uses AI, sensors and high quality cameras to map and clean floors without any human assistance.

Cleaning staff are able to manually push the machine at first before it learns and adapts to its environment.

When asked if the machine would eventually replace the need for human cleaners, Mr Hendricks assured it would act more as a handy helper, or ‘co-bot’.

“So instead of replacing someone’s job, it basically empowers existing staff, upskilling them to use this technology,” he said.

Tennant Asia Pacific Business Unit Vice President Markus Haefeli said he hoped the shopping experience would evolve with the launch of their X4 ROVR.

“As the robot handles the floors and harder to reach areas, it’s designed to empower employees to focus on enhancing the customers’ experience and their shopping journey,” Mr Haefeli.

Much like the prominence of the contactless self-checkout system, Tennant hopes their robot will help make the shopping easier for customers.

It is understood three robots have been ordered for Australian retailers already, with a ride-on machine already being deployed at an undisclosed Melbourne healthcare department.