Dear Mrs. Rekrut,
I don't have practical examples of storages with this kind of management. In my opinion I think that you can consider it as an option, because for sure the robots can be a good low cost option if there is no one in charge of these operation. As you said, the fact that sometimes there is dust accumulation is for sure a concern, and can lead to difficult situations from a conservation point of view. So if there are no other option, can be a possibility.
What is important to underline are some concerns, majorly due to the unsupervised action of the robots.
Can happen that the robot get stuck under or hits the shelves' bases, and this can cause dangerous vibrations for the artwork.
Sometimes the robots can overheat due to an accumulation of dust or if they get stuck in some places. It can be useful to check if the robots switch automatically off in case of overheating.
The mopping robot can be a valid option, but I suggest to check the levels of humidity that are brought by the unsupervised mopped floor.
Can be dangerous if some artwork or part of it falls on the ground by accident, without being noticed. The robots can accidentally pass over it or vacuum it without anyone noticing.
It is important to underline that sometimes the human presence can be a positive note in art related fields! But, if there is the possibility to set dissuasive sensor around the shelves and to check frequently the parameters, the robots are for sure an options.
I hope that I have suggested some useful points of view.
Connecting to Collection Care Monitor
Best regards,
Arianna Buffagni
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Arianna Buffagni
Conservator
Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent
Quattro Castella
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-01-2023 12:36
From: Ala Rekrut
Subject: robot vacuums and robot mops
Does anyone have any experience with using a robot vacuum and/or robot mop to clean storage areas?
We have hard vinyl floors and all collections are stored on shelving so the floor level obstacles will all be storage furnishings. The shelving either has enclosed bases or a 4.5" clearance. There is no wifi service in the area. Currently no-one is explicitly responsible for cleaning storage room floors so there is always some tension when the dust bunnies accumulate.
I would appreciate your thoughts and recommendations.
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Ala Rekrut
Manager, Preservation Services
Archives of Manitoba
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