Emerging AI in the Janitorial Sector

Due to an aging population, a swift rise in dual-income households, and growing awareness of hygiene, the cleaning industry is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. The North American market is projected to lead this expansion, accounting for an estimated 45 percent of total revenue by 2037, according to Research Nester.

The industry is entering a new era – one defined by innovation, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). While much of the ongoing AI conversations center on finance, healthcare or manufacturing, its growing influence on facility solutions is helping to reshape how buildings are being cleaned, maintained and managed.

The facility services space is already enabling AI and automation to help facility teams do more with less, while improving outcomes across the board. From being leveraged for smarter systems that improve efficiency, autonomous floor-cleaning robots or predictive maintenance models, AI is present and already making a splash in the sector. However, AI is still in the early stages of adoption, and we have not met the full potential of its impact in the facility solutions industry. As we look to the future, more unique use cases will continue to develop and emerge.

Autonomous Multi-Tasking Robots
The rise of autonomous multi-tasking robots – one of the most visible examples of AI in action. These next-generation machines can handle multiple cleaning functions simultaneously: disinfecting surfaces, vacuuming carpets, restocking supplies and more. Equipped with advanced navigation and obstacle-avoidance technology, they adapt on the fly to dynamic environments like crowded airports or busy college campuses. Far from replacing human workers, these robots serve as valuable assistants, allowing janitorial teams to focus on detailed or specialized tasks that require human judgment.

Smart Solutions for Restroom & Breakroom Maintenance
By harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT), facility staff can remotely monitor dispenser consumable levels in breakrooms and restrooms, ensuring timely refills before supplies run out. AI enables facility managers to optimize cleaning and maintenance schedules around peak usage times, helping staff keep these spaces well-stocked and in top condition. Real-time alerts notify teams when demand surges, allowing them to respond swiftly. This approach improves the patron experience by guaranteeing essential products are available when needed – without creating additional strain on maintenance personnel. Predictive maintenance further enhances employee satisfaction, boosts productivity, extends equipment longevity, and ensures seamless operations across the facility.

Integrated Building Ecosystems
One of the most exciting developments is the rise of integrated building ecosystems. Traditionally, systems like HVAC, security, lighting and janitorial services have operated in silos, with minimal interaction. AI offers an opportunity to change this structure. By merging these systems into a unified platform, facility managers can now take a holistic approach to building maintenance. With facility managers facing double-digit energy inflation in many regions, ENERGY STAR sites that efficient custodial practices can lower building energy use by up to 10%. Predictive models are able to proactively adjust operations based on weather forecasts, occupancy patterns and even energy pricing. This allows janitorial teams to plan cleaning schedules more efficiently, minimize energy usage and respond faster to real-time changes in the environment that were not previously possible.

Enhanced ESG Compliance Tools
In a recent ISSA survey, over 60% of facility buyers said sustainability initiatives influence vendor selection. AI is playing a growing role in navigating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance around the globe. Today’s AI platforms can provide end-to-end tracking of ESG metrics – from energy consumption and carbon emissions to water use and sustainability initiatives across supply chain partners. Automated reporting tools help streamline compliance with evolving regulatory standards, giving facility leaders a clearer picture of performance and areas for improvement. For janitorial teams, this means their daily work contributes directly to broader environmental goals and corporate accountability.

Advanced Waste Management Systems
Another area rapidly evolving from the impact of AI is waste management. AI-driven waste sorting systems are now capable of automatically segregating recyclable materials from non-recyclable materials, optimizing waste collection and reducing overflow. By reducing the need for manual sorting, these AI-powered systems free up staff to focus on higher-value tasks and ensure more consistent compliance with recycling guidelines.

Proactive Health and Safety Monitoring
AI is also reshaping how janitorial teams monitor health and safety in indoor environments. With rising concerns around air quality – especially in the wake of the pandemic – AI-powered monitoring systems offer real-time insights into the presence of airborne allergens, pollutants, or other health hazards. Combined with wearable technology, these systems allow frontline staff and supervisors to receive alerts on potential risks, enabling swift action before issues escalate. This kind of proactive oversight not only protects staff but helps maintain healthier buildings overall.

Putting AI Into Action
As the janitorial sector continues to evolve, AI is becoming more than just a useful tool, many companies are turning to it to help them strategize the facility needs. It enables smarter decisions, improves safety and supports sustainability – three priorities that are more critical than ever in today’s-built environment. Over the next few years, we can expect AI’s role to deepen even further, transforming facility maintenance from a reactive, task-based function into a proactive, data-driven engine for operational excellence. AI technology is here – and the potential is only just beginning to unfold.

Nick O’Brien is Senior Product Manager for Facility Solutions at Veritiv.