Furtmeier Gebäudeservice: Why Semi-Autonomous Cleaning Robots Represent the Future

Automation yes, but with balance. For Andreas Furtmeier, Managing Director of the Bavarian company Furtmeier Gebäudeservice KG, the future of professional cleaning does not lie in full autonomy but in flexible, semi-autonomous systems. In this interview, the master cleaner explains why the Wetrok Robomatic Marvin perfectly reflects this philosophy.

Katharina Jacobi

Published  

A forward-looking vision of cleaning

When Andreas Furtmeier purchased his first cleaning robot in April 2023, his goal was not to reduce staff. “You might think I want to save on personnel costs, but it’s quite the opposite. We are urgently looking for qualified cleaning staff. The robot is here to support our team, not replace it,” he explains.

The aim is clear: to delegate repetitive floor cleaning tasks to the robot so that skilled employees can focus on more complex work. “As it becomes harder to find staff in the future, the robot will be able to handle part of the workload while maintaining consistent quality.”

Flexibility and efficiency as keys to success

Furtmeier tested more than half of the cleaning robots available on the market, from fully autonomous to hybrid models. He ultimately chose the Wetrok Robomatic Marvin. “It’s compact, easy to handle and fits through any door. I can use it both semi-autonomously and manually, as a robot or as a conventional scrubber-dryer. That flexibility is a huge advantage.”

His preferred concept is called “Teach & Repeat.” The robot learns a route by following it once, then repeats it autonomously. “It’s much simpler than complex programming or mapping systems. If the environment changes, I can simply teach it a new route without needing a technician.”

«Whether I want to clean autonomously or manually, with the Wetrok robot I only need one machine. That flexibility is exactly what fully autonomous robots lack.»
Andreas Furtmeier, Managing Director
Furtmeier Gebäudeservice KG

Autonomy with a human focus

For Furtmeier, the idea of “autonomy” in cleaning must be understood realistically. “Fully autonomous systems sound great on paper but are often inflexible in practice. They require docking stations, a lot of space and constant operation to be cost-effective. Our clients’ environments are constantly changing, which makes semi-autonomous systems a much better fit.”

He adds, “Even the best robot still needs human supervision. Someone has to clean the suction lips, check the siphons or remove debris from the filter. The real strength of a robot lies not in total independence but in how effectively it supports people.”

An intelligent and reliable robot

The Robomatic Marvin is used at an industrial client with three halls of around 1 000 square metres each. The epoxy-coated floors are heavily soiled with oil, dust and rubber residue. In this demanding environment, the robot cleans reliably and precisely while the staff simultaneously take care of edge and surface cleaning.

“This way, we gain valuable time because the robot and the staff can work in parallel,” explains Furtmeier. In the cafeteria or for spot cleaning, he uses Marvin manually. “If there are stubborn stains, I can simply go over the same area several times. It’s also perfect for small spaces like restrooms.”

Trust built on experience

It didn’t take long for Furtmeier to be convinced. “I tested the Robomatic Marvin for 38 minutes and the decision was made,” he recalls with a smile. His trust also comes from years of experience with the Wetrok Discomatic Mambo, the mechanical base of the robot. “The Mambo is robust, powerful and has delivered excellent results for years. I was curious to see its robotic evolution.”

After several months of use, his verdict is clear. “Marvin cleans just as thoroughly as our classic Mambo, if not better. The floors are so clean now that we have to clean the edges more often because the difference is immediately visible.”

Technology as part of the company philosophy

Innovation is deeply embedded in Furtmeier Gebäudeservice’s DNA. “Our motto is ‘For your success’. That means we invest in technologies that offer genuine added value to our customers,” explains the Managing Director.

By introducing the Robomatic Marvin, the company pursues two main goals: increasing cleaning efficiency and reducing the physical workload for employees. Both factors contribute to sustainability — ecologically, socially and economically.

Conclusion: The future of cleaning is smart collaboration

Semi-autonomous cleaning represents the essence of modern facility services: intelligent support instead of blind automation. Robots like the Wetrok Robomatic Marvin create room for human expertise, increase efficiency and ensure consistent hygiene standards.

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