Queen Alia Airport's Smart Cleaning Saves 57,000 Litres
Jordan's Queen Alia International Airport reports major water and waste savings from its AI-driven Smart Cleaning System, while airports in Spain and
Queen Alia International Airport in Amman saves 57,000 litres of water daily using its new Smart Cleaning System. The airport's integration of AI, machine learning, and IoT sensors has also cut consumables use by 20% and reduced complaints about restroom supplies by 80%, according to the airport's facilities management.
Fatina Gammoh, AIG’s facilities management and operations contracts manager, states that innovation is driven by a commitment to passenger experience and operational efficiency. The system uses real-time data on passenger traffic to optimise cleaning routes and resource allocation proactively.
System Integration and Results
The Smart Cleaning System is managed from a new Cleaning Control Centre within the airport's Operations Control Centre. It coordinates four robotic cleaners. Beyond the water savings, the system has led to a significant drop in complaints. While 96% of 463,000 passengers gave positive real-time feedback about their airport experience, 89% specifically expressed satisfaction with the cleanliness of facilities.
Gammoh explains the traditional approach could not keep pace with fluctuating passenger flows. She describes the project as carrying Jordan's historical DNA of turning limitations into solutions. The system adapts hour by hour and washroom by washroom to ensure seamless cleanliness.
Robotic Deployment in Spanish Airports
An operating model combining human teams with autonomous robotics has been introduced by Optima at seven Spanish airports: Barcelona, Seville, Málaga, Alicante, Valencia, Menorca, and Ibiza. At Barcelona-El Prat Airport, robotic machines clean continuously during the day, even in high-traffic zones. At night, conventional Tennant scrubbers and sweepers are used for deeper cleaning.
Optima says the goal is to increase operational efficiency and ensure consistent results. The autonomy and artificial intelligence in the machines were decisive factors in selecting them. A single operator can supervise multiple machines, expanding service coverage without hiring extra staff. The robots also optimise water, energy, and product use, supporting sustainability goals.
Albert Celaya, Optima Facility’s service manager at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, notes the machines attract passenger attention. He says they spark curiosity and surprise when seen working autonomously in the busy airport environment.
Heathrow's Named Cobot Fleet
London's Heathrow Airport recently named its fleet of 24 collaborative robots, or 'cobots'. The names, chosen from public suggestions, include Fleetwood Vac, Meryl Sweep, and Cleany McClean Face. Other selected names are Boeing 7 Floor 7, Air Floorce One, and Obi-Wan Cleanobi.
The cobots operate across all terminals, each equipped with a personalised name tag. Passengers are encouraged to spot them this summer. Each autonomous robot can clean up to 4,800 square metres daily using advanced mapping and water-recycling systems. They operate for up to three hours before recharging.
Heathrow's partnership with facilities management company Mitie has created the UK's largest fleet of autonomous cleaning robots. Mitie has delivered cleaning services at Heathrow since 2022, with 850 specialists supported by this technology. The robots glide through the terminals, completing their tasks efficiently.
Queen Alia's Smart Cleaning System won the award for Best Innovation in Airport Operations and Installations Management in last year's ACI World Technology Innovation Awards.
