The Automated Cleaning Challenge organised by DB Services and the DB Mindbox digital innovation lab pitted cleaning machines from four international manufacturers against each other. The winner was to be awarded a two-year framework contract to work with DB on the development of automated station cleaning systems.
The four robots were required to compete on a 200 m² course, dealing with a variety of detritus including ketchup stains and leftover chips. Their performance was assessed by a jury, taking into consideration each robot’s ability to orient itself in the station, its optimisation of cleaning routes, its reaction to both people and obstacles, the cleaning performance and quality of finish, and operational safety.
