The biggest concern about cleaning robots is rarely whether they clean floors well; more often, it is whether they might run into someone in a hallway. The reasons why cleaning robots work safely alongside employees are:
- 360-degree sensors that monitor the surroundings
- a risk assessment that the importer is legally required to carry out before sale
- a clear procedure defining who is authorized to operate the machine
Which sensors does the robot use to detect people and obstacles?
A combination of laser scanners, 3D cameras, and ultrasonic sensors gives the machine a 360-degree view of its surroundings. It detects both a person who suddenly enters a hallway and a stationary obstacle such as a box or a pillar.
Some systems also use so-called protective zones that change dynamically depending on the turning angle-narrower in tight passages for greater precision and wider in open areas to allow higher speeds. This combination of sensors is exactly what the risk assessment requires to be in place.
What happens when the robot detects a person in its path?
Depending on the distance, the machine first slows down, and if the person steps directly into its path, it comes to a complete stop. This prevents any risk of contact. Once the area is clear, it resumes its route without requiring anyone to restart the process manually.
In addition, the physical emergency stop button remains available in case a staff member determines that operations should stop immediately, regardless of what the sensors detect. This behavior is a standard expectation for certified machines, not an optional feature that requires an additional payment.
Who is actually the most common cause of accidents, the robot or people?
Experience from the cleaning industry shows that people-not machines-are by far the most common cause of accidents involving robotic equipment. This usually happens because of inattention, unauthorized operation, or ignoring safety warnings.
Unlike a tired night-shift worker, the machine does not lose focus or skip procedural steps, no matter how long the shift lasts. It follows the same proven movement pattern every time. This is one of the reasons why robotic cleaning is often recognized as a contribution to workplace safety rather than an additional risk to employees. Read more in the article how to choose an autonomous cleaning robot.
How do you prevent untrained staff from operating the robot?
Access to the control screen is protected by a password or user authentication. This ensures that only trained personnel can change routes, start the machine, or access advanced settings.
The findings of the risk assessment and the safety instructions are also communicated through the company’s internal procedures. This forms part of the same training provided before the robot is put into operation. These two layers of protection-technical and organizational-work together instead of relying on only one. Before anyone even receives access as an authorized user, it makes sense to understand how a professional cleaning robot actually works, not just which button to press.
Which regulations and risk assessment ensure robot safety in Serbia?
Every machine imported into or sold in Serbia, including cleaning robots, must undergo a conformity assessment procedure in accordance with the Machinery Safety Regulation. This regulation is harmonized with the European Machinery Directive.
Part of this procedure is a risk assessment in which the manufacturer identifies real operational hazards, from movement near people to potential collisions. The manufacturer documents how each identified hazard has been addressed before the device leaves the factory. The importer must possess the technical documentation and the declaration of conformity confirming this, and the buyer has the right to request access to this documentation before making a purchase.
Do cleaning robots work safely alongside employees, a brief overview
The combination of legal requirements, certified risk assessment, and sensor technology ensures that cleaning robots work safely alongside employees, with clearly defined responsibilities shared between the manufacturer, the importer, and the company using them.
Invekta imports robots from its commercial cleaning robot range that have successfully completed this conformity assessment procedure, so clients do not need to verify regulatory compliance on their own.
Cleaning robots work safely alongside employees – Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do cleaning robots have a specific certificate that customers can request for review?
Yes. The importer holds the technical documentation and the declaration of conformity issued in accordance with the applicable regulations. This confirms that the machine has successfully completed the conformity assessment procedure. Customers have the right to request access to this documentation before purchasing, just as they can for any other professional equipment placed on the market.
Can the sensors fail and cause a collision?
Risk is never absolutely zero, but certified systems use multiple independent sensors simultaneously. If one component fails, the machine does not become completely blind. In fact, the risk assessment required by the regulations obliges the manufacturer to anticipate scenarios like this before the machine can receive certification.
Is additional safety training required besides the standard robot operation training?
Safety instructions are part of the training provided before the robot enters service. They are not delivered as a separate additional course. The training ensures that staff know where the emergency stop button is located. It also explains how to respond if the machine stops unexpectedly.
Can cleaning robots operate in facilities with children or elderly people?
Yes. The same safety standards and certification apply in every environment. This includes schools, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities. The sensors do not distinguish between different types of visitors-they respond consistently to any person detected in the robot’s path.
Contact Invekta for a free assessment of your facility and a recommendation on how the robot can operate safely alongside your team every day.
About the author: Jasna Drenovac – Copywriter and SEO Content Strategist – Specialist in content creation. With a focus on facility management and hygiene maintenance services, Jasna develops blogs, pillar pages, and SEO content. Her work is based on a combination of many years of writing and editing experience and modern SEO standards.
The expert articles published on this blog are the result of research, analytical evaluation, and editorial expertise. linkedin.com/in/jasna-drenovac
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