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The adoption of robotics within the Indian cleaning industry is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality. Driven by a shortfall in skilled manpower and a rising demand for hygienic precision, the market is steadily growing. Recent industry data from Grand View Horizon Databook shows that the cleaning robot market in India is projected to grow from 159.4 million USD in 2024 to a substantial 680.1 million USD by 2030. This represents a CAGR of 27.8%, making India the fastest-growing regional market in the Asia-Pacific region. As the ecosystem for spare parts and domestic manufacturing matures, industry experts anticipate that robotic intervention will handle a significant portion of all professional cleaning tasks by the end of the decade.
From high-traffic aviation hubs to sterile pharmaceutical environments, leading service providers are transitioning from manual-heavy models to “Robot-as-a-Service” frameworks. This shift signals mechanical efficiency, data-driven transparency and the elevation of the human workforce.
Manish Mamtani, Chief Information Officer, Compass Group-India and Shakti Jalali, Commercial Director, ISS India share their expert insights on cleaning robotics with Keerthana Sundar, Special Correspondent.
Strategic Deployment
The integration of robotics is currently concentrated in sectors where precision and consistency are urgently needed. Manish notes that their primary traction is within the corporate and pharmaceutical sectors. He explains, “mainly there are two segments where we are deploying the robots, where we have got some traction which is majorly around corporates and the pharma industry.”
At ISS, Shakti highlights a similar focus, stating, “Well, we have tried to implement this across all the segments that we have, but primarily we are speaking to all our IT and technology clients. And I do think we have been making some inroads in our manufacturing segment as well.”
Quantifiable Gains
One of the most compelling arguments for robotics is the measurable reduction in resources. Unlike manual cleaning, which lacks precise measurement, robots use precision dosing to manage water and chemical consumption.
Water Consumption: Manual cleaning typically consumes between 50 to 100 ml per square metre. Manish Mamtani observes that robots have reduced this significantly: “In fact our measurement is approximately around 11.5 ml per square metre.”
Chemical Usage: Compass Group India reports a reduction in chemical use by seven to eight times. ISS FM observes a reduction of “at least 20% to 25%,” while Delhi Airport anticipates a “50% reduction” in chemical consumption as they continue to monitor their rollout.
The impact on quality is equally noteworthy. Manish emphasises, “We did tests before manual cleaning and after the robot cleaned… the difference was almost four to five times better cleaning.”
“It is the upskilling of people… we have basically named them as ‘Robot Operators’ or ‘Robot Commandos.’ From a janitor, they are now becoming a robot operator.” — Manish Mamtani
Data-Driven Management
The transition from subjective to objective cleaning is facilitated by the data reports these machines generate. These reports allow facility managers to track coverage areas and identify obstructions or missed spots due to high footfall.
This data transforms client discussions. Manish observes, “The overall discussions now are not more of a reactive discussion but more of a proactive discussion… there is no finger pointing as such now.” Shakti Jalali concurs, noting that clients are no longer asking if they should use robots, but “where and how fast.”
Man and Machine as Partners
A common concern in robotics is the replacement of human labour. However, service providers view this to elevate the role of the worker. By automating the “monotonous tasks” that occupy 50% to 60% of a janitor’s time, workers can focus on high-dexterity tasks.
Shakti notes that employees have begun to treat robots as “work buddies,” which helps reduce fatigue. She explains, “over time I think they do realise it is for the good. There is safety, there is cost savings and there is obviously better savings on time as well.” She adds that this allows people to “focus on something which is a higher value work.”
New professional designations are also emerging. Compass Group India has introduced roles such as “Robot Operators” and “Robot Commandos,” individuals responsible for scheduling, troubleshooting and human-robot coordination. Manish describes this as “upskilling of the people… from a janitor now they are becoming a robot operator.”
Overcoming the Indian Environment
Deploying global technology in India presents unique challenges. The “floor plates” in Indian offices are often denser with more workstations and narrower corridors. Manish points out that “we have cramped spaces and less wider corridors, so the whole navigation adjustments are learned over a period of time.”
Specific environment factors like higher dust levels also require adjustments. Manish notes, “in a higher dusty environment in India… it is all about how you adjust the cleaning process frequency, how do you adjust the roller pressures, how do you adjust the vacuuming pressure?”
“This is now no longer a question of ‘if.’ I am hearing a lot of clients now asking, ‘where’ and ‘how fast.’ This is something that will be more than just a buzzword.” — Shakti Jalali
The Path Forward for Facility Managers
For those hesitant to invest and transition, the message from industry leaders is clear: the robotic technology is a necessary integration. Shakti advises, “Robotic cleaning is something which is going to be not only a buzzword, but something that we will have to start exploring to integrate in our cleaning experiences.”
Manish suggests a gradual approach for sceptical managers: “Why do you not just cover the shortfall using the robots? Over a period of time, gain confidence and move ahead.” He notes that the initial deployment often yields surprising results: “For first one to two weeks it is doing all the cleaning… it is doing a deeper cleaning which was not done before because of the limitations we had.”
As price points fall and technology such as autonomous water refilling becomes standard, the presence of robots in Indian facilities will become an essential component of any high-performance cleaning strategy. Shakti concludes, “Given the manpower challenges… this is something that clients will be looking forward to.”
