The future of Facilities Management (FM) is no longer just about keeping buildings operational and clean, it’s about making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable. As the industry changes to keep up with the world of technology, so do client expectations, environmental standards, and the need for operational efficiency.
At the Tudor Group, we are embracing this change head-on, integrating smart technology and robotics into our services to deliver forward-thinking solutions that work for both people and buildings.
What innovation means in FM
Innovation in FM is finding practical, effective ways to improve the performance of buildings and the wellbeing of the people who use them. For us, that means exploring how robotics and smart systems can support our teams, enhance service delivery, and reduce environmental impact. Whether it’s introducing automated cleaning solutions or leveraging data for better building insights, innovation is embedded in our approach.
Smarter cleaning and safer workspaces
Tudor Group is actively exploring the use of robotics across multiple service areas:
- Automated scrubber dryers are an exciting development in this space. These intelligent machines can map out floorplans and autonomously clean expansive areas such as school halls, large gyms, and leisure centres, making them ideal for the education and sports sectors. They bring precision, consistency, and speed to repetitive tasks, all while reducing water and chemical use.
- Automated vacuum cleaners are used to maintain large, carpeted areas with minimal disruption, providing daily consistency and freeing staff to tackle more detailed cleaning work in breakout areas, kitchens, or high-touch points.
- UV disinfection robots are being trialled in hygiene-critical spaces like healthcare and transport hubs, offering an added layer of protection during flu seasons or in response to outbreaks.
- Robotic window cleaning solutions are in development, aiming to support high-level access tasks and reduce reliance on traditional methods, improving both safety and efficiency. We’re also exploring drone technology for window and façade inspections. Drones could potentially reduce the need for scaffolding or MEWPs, offering a quicker, safer way to access hard-to-reach areas. While drones currently complement rather than replace traditional cleaning and may not currently offer the same high standard of cleaning as other traditional window cleaning methods, their potential for future integration is promising.
As we explore and implement these tools, we believe they must be used in tandem with our skilled workforce – not as a replacement. We see this technology as a way to enhance the work we do and how we do it – offering greater consistency, supporting health and safety, and enabling us to scale high-quality service delivery.
Smart technology & data-led FM
Innovation also means embracing the potential of data. As digital systems, sensors and building monitoring tools continue to evolve, they present exciting opportunities for facilities management. One we’re actively exploring is data-driven cleaning, using IoT enabled sensors to track space usage and footfall. This kind of insight could allow us to deploy cleaning resources more precisely, delivering a more responsive and efficient service while reducing unnecessary tasks.
By integrating these tools with Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) platforms, we can provide greater transparency, streamlined workflows, and accurate reporting that supports both compliance and client satisfaction.
These systems also help enable predictive maintenance, energy optimisation, and better decision-making across a building’s lifecycle.
Balancing people and technology
Technology is powerful, but it’s at its best when it’s paired with skilled, motivated people. At Tudor Group, we’re not just investing in technology, we’re investing in our people. We’re upskilling our teams to work confidently alongside modern technologies. Our approach is always human-led and tech-supported because we believe that innovation should empower people, not replace them.
Engineering the future of clean
We see innovation as an ongoing journey. As we continue to trial recent technologies, from sensor-led cleaning to drones and robotics, our focus remains on delivering real-world benefits to our clients.
Whether it’s through automation, data, or sustainable practices, we’re committed to shaping a smarter, more efficient future for facilities management, while continuing to focus on empowering our people.
If you have an office, specialist or window clean you would like to discuss, please get in touch at 0161 789 3550 or at sales@tudorcc.com.