Farnek launches transformational hybrid cleaning unit

ME Construction

19-05-2025

Operations & Maintenance Farnek launches transformational hybrid cleaning unit
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The robotic units can handle heavy lifting, repetitive cleaning, and large surface areas, allowing human operatives to focus on higher value or specialised tasks
UAE-based facilities management (FM) company Farnek has launched the Farnek Hybrid Unit (FHU), presenting a transformation in cleaning by integrating human operatives with advanced and intelligent robotic cleaners, the firm said in a statement.
Robots can collaborate with operational staff without traditional physical supervision, carrying out cleaning tasks autonomously. They can recharge themselves, using real time localisation and environmental perception to avoid hazards, and clean up to 5,000sqft per hour. During autonomous cleaning, robots are equipped with sensors and mechanisms that enable obstacle detection, fall prevention, and anomaly impact detection, it added.
'Essentially the model is centered around Hybrid Units (HU), where tasks are completed without distinction between humans and robots, focusing on efficiency and quality of outcome. The robotic units can handle the heavy lifting, repetitive cleaning, and large surface areas, allowing manual operatives to focus on higher value or specialised tasks, such as sanitising sensitive areas, and spot cleaning. This strategic distribution of tasks enhances overall productivity while reducing overlapping and wasteful man hours,' said Julian Khalil, Managing Director, Farnek Services.
Robotic vacuum cleaners are digitally mapped, ensuring precise and 100% area coverage. This eliminates the gaps often left by manual processes, which can occur due to human error or fatigue. Robotic paths are pre-mapped and optimised, guaranteeing complete surface coverage and achieving cleaning standards.
'Unlike human operatives, robots can be deployed in operations 24/7 without fatigue. This multi-shift capability reduces the need for additional manpower, particularly in high-traffic areas and during off-peak hours. The Farnek Hybrid Unit is a transformative step to deliver commercial cleaning services. This is more than just a technology shift it's a cultural evolution in how we see cleaning, moving forward. Data-driven, performance-oriented, and future ready. The maintenance of intelligent robots is predictable and scheduled, avoiding unexpected maintenance costs typical with manual equipment. With robots handling repetitive tasks, fewer human operatives are required, optimising labour costs,' added Khalil.
Farnek's CAFMTEK Mobile App, which was designed and developed by its sister company HITEK AI, dynamically schedules and monitors all Hybrid Units. This app provides supervisors with real time visibility, live task updates, and dedicated reports. It also enables instant adjustments to manpower and robotic assignments based on real time demand. Consistent status updates are available via the CAFMTEK app on smartphones or PCs, the statement outlined.
'The unique aspect of Farnek's hybrid model is our use of AI technology. Our CAFMTEK digital solution, which provides connectivity and technology integration, links the robots to operational management teams, accelerating precise, real-time monitoring, predictive cleaning and manpower requirements, as well as enhancing data-driven decision-making,' explained Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK AI.
Optimisation leads to substantial cost savings. Unlike humans, robots don't take vacations, sick leave, or suffer from fatigue. They operate continuously, eliminating any potential efficiency or cost impact caused by human or cleaning equipment downtime. Human productivity typically declines over an eight-hour shift, while robotic units maintain consistent performance throughout. This minimises the cost of managing shifts, payroll, and compliance through automated scheduling, the statement concluded.