Tafawuq Facilities Management, a subsidiary of Eltizam Asset Management Group is the first Facilities Management (FM) Company in the UAE to leverage robotics by deploying self-driving robot cleaning solution "LeoMop" to drive smart and efficient operations in collaboration with Hygiene Tech, a leading provider of state of the art and environmentally friendly machinery solutions in the UAE.

Innovation in Facilities Management is accelerating through the power of technology. Facility managers are increasingly looking for technological solutions to improve services, and save time. Robotics is the most feasible and innovative solution for creating a healthier environment for customers and employees while also delivering higher operational standards.

Powered by LionsBot, a Singapore-based robotics company, LeoMop is purposefully designed to improve cleaning productivity and consistency while emphasizing on safety and security. The robot is equipped with active AI and can clean for an average of 17 hours per day. The autonomous cleaning robot is able to self-assign role with minimum human intervention and maximum efficiency.

The robot has features such as water-saving technology, which uses 70% less water than other cleaning robots while achieving the same high-cleaning results, and an active-DryTech, which can save up to 40% of water drier floors due to more robust water extraction for safer surroundings. LeoMop is also regarded as the quietest professional cleaning robot, allowing it to operate at any time without causing disruptions.

The robot is also programmed with emotional responses such as expressive eyes and voice, and it is capable of informing, entertaining, and exchanging simple conversations activated via QR code.

Mohammed Alsharaf, Senior Executive Vice President, Tafawuq, said,”The Facilities Management industry has seen a significant technological transformation in recent years. With the rise of IoT, AI, big data, machine learning, and robotics, Tafawuq is committed to pioneering tech-enabled solutions to enhance our services, become more data and value-driven for the benefit of our clients, asset owners, and our company to be future-proof.”

Multiple sensors and safety features on the cleaning robot use smart algorithms to navigate the environment, adjust travel speed, work around obstacles, and avoid task interruption. LeoMop was designed specifically to assist the existing cleaning crew while also allowing them to perform supervisory duties and provide greater cleaning consistency.

The robot also includes a mobile app with 24x7 Cloud Service support and real-time performance data derived from predictive analysis to monitor cleaning operations, conditions, and hygiene compliance. Michael Nicholas, General Manager, Tafawuq, said, “COVID-19 has put cleaning and disinfection at the center of facilities management. It is necessary to adapt innovative solutions to our day-to-day operations to manage workforce deployment, and support our ultimate goal of providing our clients with a safe and clean environment.”

With an increasing number of robots being integrated into facility operations to provide advanced cleaning and meet the new level of need and expectation following the pandemic, their value has been proven, and their place in the future of facilities management has been established.

The latest deployment of the AI-powered cleaning robot, aligned with Eltizam Group's technology investments, will reinforce Tafawuq's position as the Middle East's leading facilities management company and expand their footprint and influence in the FM technology arena.