Embracing Innovation: University Facilities Uses Cutting-Edge Equipment To Enhance Campus Care
University Facilities is vital in maintaining the University’s 90 buildings, spanning 2.8 million square feet and 350 acres of beautiful campus grounds. Every day, the team’s more than 200 members work to ensure campus is safe, well-maintained, and welcoming. The team is also embracing innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and overall campus care.
Robots at work
Boatwright Library’s carpeted floors cover a staggering 100,000 square feet — nearly 100 times the size of the average home’s carpeting. To keep up with daily wear and tear, Custodial Services uses an automated commercial vacuum cleaner. They will soon deploy additional bots to other academic buildings with large carpeted areas. These bots keep the floors clean while freeing up the custodial team to focus on other important tasks.
To keeping our outdoor spaces pristine, Landscape Services recently introduced the Lavo Bot, a remote-controlled pressure-washing machine that makes cleaning decks and patios easier while reducing the physical strain on team members. They also use a remote-controlled mower for challenging areas such as the Eco-Corridor.
“The remote-controlled lawn mower is a much better option for tackling difficult, steep hillsides than a traditional mower,” said Mike Torquato, landscape manager. “It keeps our team members safe.”
The team will also consider the use of smart mowers for athletic fields and a turf bot to assist with painting fields once the technology advances.
Drones are joining the team
The facilities team will pilot the use of a pressure-washing drone to assist with masonry and window cleaning. The drone, which requires a specialized license, can fly up to 140 feet to reach hard-to-clean places, potentially reducing the need to hire a specialized contractor. Facilities is also considering using a thermal drone to help with roof inspections in the future.
“When we discovered this new drone technology at a conference, we immediately recognized its potential to benefit campus, said Elena Kinker, custodial manager. “It offers an innovative approach to cleaning areas that are difficult to access with traditional pressure washers.”
By embracing new technologies, the facilities team is making the campus safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.