by Brianna Crandall — October 27, 2017 — The CMS Purus Innovation Awards 2017 (PIA) were presented last month at the international cleaning trade fair CMS Berlin 2017 — Cleaning.Management.Services. Manufacturers of cleaning machines and cleaning agents showcased and debuted a wealth of innovations and technological developments of their products in displays covering a hall area of 29,000 square meters.
Trends and highlights at CMS 2017 include:
- Eco-friendly scrubber dryers capable of working large surfaces;
- Cleaning robots that can clean smooth surfaces and windows without an operator, and one that automatically seeks out a docking station if its dirty water tank is full or if the battery is running low;
- Ergonomically designed mops;
- Paper towel dispensers for highly frequented public washrooms;
- Trash bags that are coated so they open easily;
- Fast-acting all-purpose cleaners for coated and uncoated surfaces and floor coverings;
- Easy-care cleaning cloths and gloves for removing stains without chemical agents;
- Digitally connected cleaning tools and equipment;
- Cleaning industry software for organizing employees and tasks; and
- A wide range of apps for rapid mobile access to all details of customer and property information as well as intelligent machine management.
The annual CMS Purus Innovation Awards program recognizes cleaning products and services for ergonomics, function, and efficiency in addition to other criteria. Winners were chosen in six categories.
The winners are listed below by category, along with the description given in the announcement.
Large Machines
ADLATUS Robotics GmbH: ADLATUS CR 700 autonomous cleaning robot system
Not only can the ADLATUS CR 700 robot clean floors without human assistance, but it also automatically seeks out a docking station if its dirty water tank is full or if the battery is running low.
The ADLATUS CR 700 is “remarkable” for the fact that its operation is largely autonomous. Not only can this robot clean floors without human assistance, but it also automatically seeks out a docking station if its dirty water tank is full or if the battery is running low. In this way it can automatically refill with clean water and recharge its energy supply. With its comprehensive range of sensors, the ADLATUS can cope with many different environments and adapt to changing conditions. It not only identifies solid walls and previously defined obstacles, but it can also register the presence of differently stocked shelves in a supermarket, or pallets that have recently been placed in an industrial storage unit. Equipped with this technology and with the interaction between the robot and the docking station, Adlatus is showing the way for autonomous cleaning systems.
Small Machines
Kenter Bodenreinigungsmaschinen Vertriebs and Service GmbH: i-Mop XXL
The i-Mop XXL combines the performance of a large machine with the maneuverability and flexibility of a floor wiper. This highly effective hybrid can be deployed anywhere. With its light weight and compact format, it can be used in buildings without elevators or where storage space is limited. This easy-to-use implement does not require any special devices for filling or disposal; a standard tap and drain are sufficient. It is able to clean thoroughly along edges and in corners. The i-Mop XXL is provided with a second battery, enabling it to be kept in continuous operation. Even with its outstanding cleaning capabilities it is still much better value for money than a large machine. This product and its system therefore fill a large gap in the market, impressively combining the advantages of small and large machines in a thoroughly effective way.
Equipment
Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG: EASY!Force Advanced
The EASY!Force pistol is a highly innovative product that combines good ergonomics with workplace safety, usability and sustainability. The trigger is activated by the ball of the hand, thereby substantially reducing the kick-back effect of the high-pressure jet, and thus effectively preventing any risks to the user’s health. An additional, flexibly adjustable grip on the pistol rod makes it easier to operate overhead and in hard-to-access areas. With a new kind of all-ceramic valve and materials of excellent quality, this pistol has a working life up to five times longer, thereby adding to its sustainability. The EASY! Force Advanced pistol is notable for its thoroughly well-thought-out concept and innovative features, with obvious benefits for the user.
Equipment — SPECIAL PRIZE
EMIL DEISS KG: UNIVERSAL PLUS rubbish bags
Demonstrating the far-reaching effects of research and attention to detail, this company’s innovative trash bags are very easy to use, and offer the cleaning sector “enormous” savings of time and money. With their patented perforation and “Easy Opener” technology, the bags can be separated from one another and opened in next to no time. The special plastic film is strong and tear-resistant and prevents the sides of the bags from sticking together. With these features, the product simplifies and speeds up the process of changing bags, one of the most frequent processes in the cleaning of buildings. With these cleverly thought-out innovations, UNIVERSAL PLUS rubbish bags not only help cleaning staff in their daily work but also enable the entire industry to improve its efficiency.
Digital Tools and Systems
Vermop Salmon GmbH: Vermop Digital: System ONe
Vermop Digital offers a forward-looking system to improve processes. Data is recorded in real time using sensors installed in cleaning equipment and precise details about the devices’ locations. The interconnected appliances make it possible at any time to determine where cleaning has been taking place, and for how long, what buildings are occupied, and the time needed to cover the distances involved. This innovative technology replaces scanner systems and the laborious manual entry of details by the cleaning staff. Rooms no longer have to be prepared with beacons or barcodes. The 3D visualization of the rooms enables the cleaning process to be understood in detail and improved if need be. This is a very open system, and the technology can also be used with third-party appliances and can be transferred to other areas, thereby forming a basis for the future of intelligent process and quality optimization.
Washroom Hygiene
OPHARDT Hygiene-Technik GmbH + Co. KG: the untouchable
A modern tap system, the untouchable, combines hygiene with sustainability. The advanced, minimalist design incorporates access to water, soap and disinfectant in a single tap. Simple hand gestures are used to control the tap without any physical contact. The selection is confirmed by visual and acoustic feedback. The contactless operation avoids the transfer of germs, which is particularly important as a means of avoiding the spread of infections in heavily frequented clinics and washrooms. The system is also self-cleaning and can be used with consumables from various manufacturers. In addition to improved hygiene standards and ease of use, the judges were impressed by the sustainable design, with a reduction of up to 70 percent in the water consumption. The untouchable is a clearly structured, logical system that offers added value to users and operators alike.
Cleaning Products
Wetrok AG: Granuline
With Granuline, a highly effective group of products based on granules has been created that, for the first time, can match the cleaning capabilities of liquid cleaning products — with the fastest dissolving time so far. Marketing the product in the form of small, light sticks of powder results in large savings in the costs of transport, logistics and storage. The packaging units are already pre-measured to ensure the correct amount is used, which also cuts costs and helps to protect the environment. In addition to the use as a liquid cleaner, Wetroks also supplies foam bottles that enable the granules to produce an effective cleaning foam at the press of a button, and thereby to reduce the amount used. The intelligent, user-friendly system offers high-quality cleaning at a reduced cost, and helps to protect the environment.
A record total of 62 entries were received for this year’s PIA, with 17 of the entries making it through to the final round. For photos and information about the 17 finalists and winners, visit the CMS Purus Innovation Awards Web site.
