Cleaning | Technology

OCS and Morrisons Partner to Introduce Cutting-Edge Cobotic Cleaning Solutions.

OCS Team

OCS Team

14 Feb, 2025

OCS and Morrisons Partner to Introduce Cutting-Edge Cobotic Cleaning Solutions.

OCS, in collaboration with Morrisons, introduces innovative cobotics cleaning technology across Morrisons’ logistics sites.

Building a Strong Partnership

Building on an eight-year relationship with Morrisons, we service their stores, all eight logistics sites, and two manufacturing sites. We sought to advance our relationship by introducing resource management and colleague augmentation technology into our contract. Working with a leading provider of cleaning technology and through thorough internal H&S vetting, we collaborated with Morrisons to introduce cobotic cleaning machines, or cobots, onto the logistics sites. The cobots were chosen due to their robust software capabilities, creating the opportunity to tap into an Internet of Things system for more rounded and sophisticated technology provisions within our services.

Innovative Cobotics Solutions

The process was rigorous in maintaining and enhancing health and safety procedures at the logistics sites, aligning further with our best safety practices for customers. Initial manned mapping sessions with the machines were conducted before they were released to operate automatically; this ensured the machines could safely navigate the terrain when operating unmanned. Our teams also participated in a safety training programme with the manufacturers, in partnership with Morrisons’ health and safety teams. Additionally, introducing the machines improved the team’s knowledge and expertise in cleaning, upskilling them with plans for further training in the future. Once mapped, the machines can clean specific spaces and areas when not in use, allowing for deeper and more efficient cleaning.

A floor-scrubbing robot operates in a brightly lit warehouse aisle, nearing a worker in the distance. The robot is teal with a glowing light on top. The Morrisons logo is visible in the lower left corner.

Maximising Efficiency with Cobots

The cobotic machines map both scheduled and live use of areas, maximising cleaning time and efficiency. Productivity now reaches seven to eight hours of cleaning per day. A recent ATP test at one site, which assesses surface cleanliness, shows that the site’s cleaning efficiency has improved by about 30%, creating a more hygienic space.

Enhanced Productivity and Safety

With a 25-metre sensor radius, the cobots do not impede the productivity of the Morrisons’ onsite team and adhere to the most stringent safety standards. The cobots also free up precious time spent on floor cleaning, allowing our colleagues to handle more complex cleaning tasks across the sites. All of these efforts, along with the increased efficiency of the cobots, will facilitate resource management for Morrisons and enhance the services we provide.

Setting a New Standard in Cleaning Operations

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of cleaning operations at Morrisons’ logistics sites. By leveraging advanced cobot technology, OCS and Morrisons are setting a new standard for cleanliness and safety in the industry.

“OCS is thrilled to collaborate with Morrisons to introduce cutting-edge cobotic cleaning technology across Morrisons’ logistics sites. By integrating Tennant’s T16 machines, chosen for their robustness and advanced software capabilities, we are enhancing cleaning efficiency and safety standards. We view this as an innovative step to revolutionising our ways of working within OCS and for our customers and we are delighted Morrisons have come on this journey with us.”

Andy Cawdron

Sector Managing Director for Food and Distribution, OCS UK

“We are excited to partner with OCS to introduce innovative cobotic technology to our logistics sites. This collaboration not only enhances our cleaning efficiency and hygiene standards but also allows our onsite teams to focus on more critical tasks. The introduction of Tennant’s T16 machines has significantly improved productivity and cleanliness, ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment. This initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging advanced technology to drive operational excellence and cost savings.”

Julia Moorhouse

Procurement Manager, Morrisons

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