Saving 145,945 Hours and 1.1 Million Water Annually: How Gausium Robots Helped Network Rail Transform Station Cleanliness

What does it take to keep some of the busiest train stations in the UK spotless while saving thousands of staff hours and millions of liters of water? For Mitie and Network Rail, the answer was cutting-edge robotic cleaning technology. In a revolutionary move, Gausium robots have not only enhanced the perception of cleanliness but also reshaped operations, proving that innovation can deliver remarkable results for both people and the planet.

Overview

Network Rail, the largest owner of UK’s railway infrastructure,  partnered with Mitie, a leading facilities management provider in the UK, to elevate the cleanliness and operational efficiency of their busy train stations. Known for their high footfall, train stations required an innovative approach to maintain a clean and welcoming environment. Mitie’s adoption of Gausium’s autonomous floor cleaning solutioins began in January 2022. Through Gausium’s UK distributor, Industrial Cleaning Equipment (ICE), 13 robots were deployed to key locations within Network Rail stations, including concourses, waiting areas, and offices. The product lineup included the Phantas, Scrubber 50 and Scrubber 75, each tailored to address specific cleaning needs. This deployment aimed to transform cleaning operations with advanced automation and cutting-edge features.

Customer: Mitie & Network Rail

Industry: Transport – Train Station

Region: UK

Products Used: Phantas (offices), Scrubber 50 & Scrubber 75 (station areas)

Quantity: 13 units total

Deployment Date: January 2022 onwards

Deployment Locations: Station concourse, Waiting areas, Offices

Challenges

Before implementing Gausium cleaning robots, Network Rail faced several operational and perception challenges:

• Limited availability of staff for detailed cleaning and outdoor jet washing tasks.
• A growing need to enhance the public perception of station cleanliness.
• Expectations to increase cleaning frequency without incurring additional costs.

To address these challenges, Mitie required a solution that combined efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability.

Why Gausium?

The Gausium cleaning robots were chosen for their advanced technology, operational safety, and environmental benefits. Their features provided a robust solution to the unique demands of train station environments:

• Safety Assurance: CE-approved robots ensured safe and reliable operation.
• Water Recycling Technology: Integrated water recycling reduced downtime associated with refilling and emptying machines, improving operational efficiency.
• Cutting-Edge AI Capabilities: Enabled consistent, multi-surface cleaning with precision, significantly enhancing cleaning quality.

Key Results & Benefits

The implementation of Gausium robots delivered measurable results, benefiting both operational processes and sustainability goals:

• Labour Redeployment: Gausium cleaning robots saved 145,945 staff hours annually, allowing employees to focus on high-priority and specialized cleaning tasks.
• Water Conservation: The robots reduced water consumption by 1.1 million liters per year, contributing to significant resource savings.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: CO₂ emissions were cut by 2,507 kilograms annually, aligning with sustainability objectives.
• Enhanced Public Perception: The visible presence of cleaning robots during day and night operations received positive feedback from passengers, improving the overall image of station cleanliness.

Testimonial

Julie Kitchener, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, ICE: 

“Gausium has supported us in customizing machines to the unique environment, including beacons and alarms.”

David Miles, Head of Innovation for Network Rail, Mitie:

“The feedback from passengers and general public has been positive, seeing machines out and cleaning during the day and night.”

Conclusion

The deployment of Gausium cleaning robots at Network Rail stations has set a new benchmark for cleaning standards while advancing operational efficiency and sustainability objectives. By delivering significant resource savings, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing passenger satisfaction, this success story highlights the transformative potential of robotic solutions in modern facility management.

About Mitie

Mitie is a leading facilities management company headquartered in the UK, offering a wide range of integrated services across various sectors, including transport, healthcare, and commercial offices. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, Mitie has been at the forefront of delivering tailored strategies that drive efficiency and enhance operational outcomes. Their partnership with Network Rail underscores their commitment to adopting advanced technologies to meet evolving client and public needs.