At the global stage, Kärcher unveiled how autonomous cleaning is rapidly transitioning from concept to operational reality. In conversation with Clean India Journal, Product Manager-KIRA Cleaning Robots, Alina Seitter, said that machines are designed to redefine efficiency, consistency and data-driven hygiene in modern facilities. KIRA B 200 Visitors’ Choice Award at the Interclean Amsterdam Innovation Awards 2026.
Q: Can you tell us how robots are now taking over the cleaning space?
A: We are moving from traditional machines to autonomous cleaning due to numerous benefits, ranging from addressing labour shortages to improving overall cleaning standards. High-quality cleaning is achieved because a robot can clean much more frequently than a manual machine. Naturally, this also helps in saving labour costs.
Q: Apart from the labour and economic perspectives, what is so special about robotics that is driving the shift from mechanisation to automation?
A: The ability to clean more often is a significant factor. While there is a higher initial investment for the machine itself, the docking station allows the machine to clean 24/7 — including weekends and overnight. Furthermore, you have “proof of cleaning” and consistent quality because you can precisely adjust cleaning parameters, such as water and detergent levels. It provides a comprehensive overview of the resources required for cleaning in general.
Q: There is a common perception that because robots have arrived, manpower will simply disappear from the scene.
A: Someone is still needed to take care of the machine. Certainly, more time-intensive tasks like floor cleaning can be handled by robots, but employees are still required to clean the machine, perform maintenance and manage the installation from time to time. This allows staff to take over other parallel tasks, such as cleaning restrooms, for example.
Q: We see many different types of cleaning robots today. Would you like to tell us more about these various categories?
A: Generally speaking, there are currently three main categories of floor cleaning robots. The most popular is the scrubber dryer, which handles wet cleaning and often includes a pre-sweeping function. Then, we have vacuum cleaners for dry cleaning, which are also suitable for carpets. Finally, we have introduced sweepers, and we are seeing competitors bringing sweepers to the market as well. These three categories are currently the most common.
From 24/7 cleaning cycles and “proof of cleaning” to smart integration with building systems, Kärcher’s KIRA robots are not eliminating manpower — they are reshaping it for a smarter, more productive cleaning ecosystem.
Q: When you mention wet cleaning for floors, what specific types of flooring are suitable?
A: We offer two different robot versions. We have roller brushes with side brooms for pre-sweeping, which are designed for robust environments like industrial warehouses where you encounter heavy dirt on various floor types. We also offer disc machines for polishing floors in environments like retail stores. We provide different brush heads for different applications, allowing us to cover almost every floor type. For example, we have various pads, roller brushes, and disc brushes available.
A machine equipped with different types of brushes can work across various floors, but it is similar to a manual machine; depending on the floor type, you need to adjust the machine’s configuration slightly.
Q: How do you see Kärcher robots in the Indian market?
A: From Kärcher’s perspective, we are just getting started in India. Our entry-class robots have already been delivered, so we can begin establishing this product line there. Regarding larger machines with a higher price point, we are currently investigating how we might reduce costs in the future. However, for smaller robots, there is already a great opportunity.
We have the KIRA CV 50, which is the entry-class vacuum cleaner running in India. We will also soon be launching a smaller scrubber dryer.
Q: Can you explain the difference between the models?
A: We have the KIRA B 5 scrubber dryer robot and the smaller KIRA CV 50 vacuum cleaner, which is already available in India. We will be shipping the KIRA B 200 very soon; as I mentioned, this is the large machine for which we won the Innovation Award.
Q: What is new about the KIRA B 200?
A: It features a specially adjusted brush head with a recovery lip designed specifically for autonomous cleaning. For instance, when moving backwards, it keeps all the water underneath the machine to ensure the floor is not flooded while reversing. It is a 2-in-1 machine, meaning you can also operate it manually as a ride-on.
Currently, no competitor offers this specific concept, especially when combined with a docking station for autonomous resource exchange. It also features infrastructure integration, allowing it to communicate with rolling gates or fire alarms. Everything is fully integrated for this large-scale machine.