Hospitals are generally associated with strict hygiene standards, not robotisation. AZ Sint-Maria Halle, a general hospital in Halle (Flemish Brabant), is changing that image. From December 2025, two autonomous cleaning robots are active on levels -1 and 0 of the hospital, cleaning a total of 4,000 m² of floor surface every evening and night.
How it works
The robots are activated in the evening and drive autonomously through their fixed zone, detecting and avoiding obstacles. During peak periods, the team can activate the robots remotely for additional cleaning sessions. The robots are compact, independent and navigate without human steering.
A notable detail: during their rounds, the robots sometimes play cheerful melodies, which causes some surprise but also appreciation among night staff.
Less water, fewer products
Compared to conventional cleaning equipment, the robots demonstrably use less water and fewer cleaning products. The systematic coverage of large surfaces is also more consistent than manual cleaning, which is important in a healthcare environment with strict infection prevention requirements.
Not a replacement, but support
AZ Sint-Maria emphasises that the robots support the cleaning team, not replace it. Staff can focus on detail work, sanitary areas and direct patient environments, while the robots handle the large corridors and hallways. That is exactly the division of work the sector advocates.
Why this is relevant for other sectors
Hospitals are one of the most demanding environments for cleaning robots: heavy traffic, changing layouts, strict hygiene requirements and 24/7 occupancy. If the technology works here, it also works in less complex environments such as offices, retail, logistics and schools.
AZ Sint-Maria Halle is one of the first hospitals in Flanders to do this at this scale. Other healthcare institutions are closely following the experience.
Are you active in the healthcare sector or another environment with high hygiene requirements? Request a free site audit and discover which robot suits your situation.
Conclusion
AZ Sint-Maria Halle proves that autonomous cleaning robots are also deployable in demanding healthcare environments. 4,000 m² per night, less water, fewer products and a freed-up cleaning team: the business case is concrete and measurable.
Sources
- Hygiene gets high-tech boost thanks to new cleaning robots, sintmaria.be
- Cleaning robots in the hospital, zorgvannu.nl
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