Scrubbing robots explained: autonomous wet cleaning
A scrubbing robot scrubs the floor wet on its own and vacuums up the dirty water. This gives an even result without an operator behind the machine.
A scrubbing robot is an autonomous scrubber-dryer. Like a sweeping robot it builds a map with sensors and runs pre-set routes, but it cleans wet. It is used in shops, warehouses, corridors and other large, relatively open floors that need regular wet cleaning.
How does a scrubbing robot work?
The robot applies cleaning solution, scrubs the floor and vacuums up the dirty water. A map and sensors guide route and obstacle avoidance.
- Clean- and dirty-water tank
- Brush or pad and squeegee
- Map, routes and scheduling
- Automatic or manual charging
Filling and emptying water
As with a normal scrubber-dryer, tanks must be filled and emptied. Plan where this happens, as it determines how independently the robot works in practice.
- Location for water and drain
- Tank size and runtime
- Who fills and empties, and when
- Cleaning agent and dosing
What is a scrubbing robot suited for?
It works best on fixed, predictable routes with a floor that tolerates water. Compact models, such as our microbots, suit smaller spaces like offices and shops.
- Shops and showrooms
- Warehouses and corridors
- Fixed routes and fixed times
- Smooth or sealed floors
Rule of thumb
A scrubbing robot fits if you need to clean wet on fixed routes and can fill and empty tanks practically. A demo and site analysis show whether the organisation around the robot works.
Limits and points of attention
Edges, corners and obstacles may need manual work. Wet zones must be clearly marked. Carpet and floors that are not water resistant are unsuitable.
- Edges and corners sometimes manual
- Wet-floor warning
- Floor must tolerate water
- Pre-sweep if there is a lot of coarse debris
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sweeping robot and a scrubbing robot?
A sweeping robot picks up dry debris. A scrubbing robot cleans wet and vacuums up the dirty water.
Does someone have to refill water?
Usually yes: tanks must be filled and emptied. Plan this into your process beforehand.
Which models do you offer?
Our online range of scrubbing robots is being updated. Contact us for current availability and advice. Compact robots can be found under microbots.
Can I test first?
Yes, via a no-obligation demo. We assess floor, route and schedule.
At DR Reinigingstechniek
See scrubbing robots and microbots, request a demo or get in touch for current options.
Related guides
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