The Solution
The plant in Amherst embraced digital technologies and strategic automation, turning to robotic solutions to address their needs. They knew it wouldn’t be easy, as the plant is not a static environment. The manufacturing floor is a high traffic area, with people and forklifts always on the move. Floor plans change regularly as raw materials arrive and finished goods are prepared for shipping. They had to find a robot that could consistently clean production areas while keeping staff safe.
Exploring several cleaning options, they had difficulty finding a solution that could adequately deal with a modern, dynamic manufacturing space. They continued investigating solutions until they discovered the Avidbots Neo. Designed as an autonomous floor-scrubbing robot for high-traffic commercial and industrial spaces, Neo uses the cutting-edge Avidbots AI Platform and an industry leading suite of sensors to safely deliver a high quality, consistent clean with minimal human intervention. Neo is ruggedly built but surprisingly nimble, able to avoid contact with people and equipment. The proprietary Avidbots AI Platform gives the robot the ability to conduct dynamic planning and avoid obstacles while still getting the job done, no reteaching required. The AI remaps to find alternate paths, even for large obstacles requiring significant deviations from the typical cleaning route. The Neo robots’s AI and constant software updates from the Cloud meanthe robot cleaner improves over time, finding the most efficient means to follow the cleaning plans.
In November 2019, Saint-Gobain piloted Neo in Amherst and, satisfied with the results, put the device into regular operation. Using metrics available through the Avidbots Command Center web-based app, personnel now ensure the robot is used to its full potential. Facilities managers immediately saw productivity gains and more internal accountability for keeping a healthy, safe workplace
