Large venues such as stadiums, arenas and convention centers are bustling centers of entertainment, education and connection. With millions of visitors each year, these massive facilities face a constant need for cleanliness, maintenance, security and visitor assistance to keep crowds happy, healthy and safe. Robotics, with their precision, versatility, and ability to perform complex tasks, offer myriad ways to assist in the operations of large venues. 

 

Let’s take a look at some of the ways robotic technology and automation are helping to reshape operational efficiency, security protocols and guest experience within these colossal spaces.

 

Ranging in size from hundreds of thousands of square feet to millions, large public venues have massive amounts of flooring to keep clean. They also see heavy foot traffic from millions of visitors each year, and are tasked with keeping those visitors safe from slipping hazards like spills and debris. Next-generation autonomous floor cleaning robots can be a big win for venues of this scale, given their ability to safely operate 24/7 without human intervention. 

 

Robots like the CC1, CC3 and CC5 are fully autonomous, meaning that they do not need human assistance to operate or carry out tasks. Thanks to an advanced Robot Operating System (ROS) and additional software integrations, they can “wake” themselves up, go to an assigned cleaning location, perform cleaning tasks and return “home” or to a new location—all based on predetermined workflows. They can also be activated and sent to perform tasks on an ad-hoc basis, as needs arise. These autonomous robots are also able to self monitor and maintain homeostasis, returning to their self-charging dock as needed. And unlike their less-advanced counterparts, they also automatically empty themselves of waste water and refuse, and refill with clean water/cleaning solution, keeping human involvement near nil. 

 

And let’s not forget cleaning power. From 8,000 square feet per hour for the compact CC1, to 15,000 square feet per hour for the mid-size CC3, to a whopping 40,000 square feet per hour for the heavy-duty CC5, this fleet can tackle floor cleaning challenges of any scale. This type of automated backup frees venue custodial staff from devoting countless hours to the never-ending task of floor cleaning. This allows these valuable staff members to concentrate on more detailed work like deep cleaning, restroom maintenance, and surface disinfection. 

 

Another up-and-coming cleaning technology that’s sure to make waves for large venues is aerial cleaning a la drone. Extra-large facilities such as stadiums have begun testing and utilizing drones for specific cleaning tasks, reducing the human risk inherent in such high-wire cleaning acts. Drones equipped with specialized cleaning mechanisms, such as spray nozzles or vacuum systems, can access areas that are challenging for traditional methods. The aerial perspective allows drones to cover large surface areas quickly, making them particularly effective for cleaning stadium roofs, facades, and other elevated structures.

 

Aerial cleaning drones are not only efficient but also contribute to safety by reducing the need for human workers to access elevated or hard-to-reach areas. The use of drones in cleaning operations aligns with the broader trend of leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles for various applications, showcasing the versatility of robotic technologies.

 

Robots have recently been put to use tackling one of the sports world’s biggest jobs—turf painting. New autonomous field painting robots are rapidly being adopted by sports stadiums thanks to their incredible efficiency, perfect painting, and cost savings. What once took a team of 8 or more people several days to complete can now be accomplished by autonomous field painting robots in a single day. 

 

Similarly, robotic mowers are becoming just as popular for athletic fields as they are for domestic lawns. The larger commercial robotic lawn mowers can operate day and night, and in both wet and dry conditions, increasing efficiency and ensuring a consistent playing surface no matter what. 

 

With so much floor space to cover, and so many hungry venue-goers to serve, some stadiums are pivoting to robot-enabled food delivery as part of their concessions offering. While these slow-moving, vending-machines-on-wheels hawk their wares to a captive audience, providing a convenient alternative to flagging down a concessions seller or standing in line, other types of delivery robots require a hungry patron to do little more than tap on their phone. Robots like the Ottobots used at Cincinnati’s CVG Airport allow travelers to order food from their phones and have it delivered straight to their gate by an Ottobot. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

 

Smaller and more interactive delivery robots like BellaBoT and KettyBoT can be put to good use in VIP or special event areas of large venues like stadiums, arenas, and convention centers. With a variety of facial expressions and voice responses, BellaBoT can deliver food and drinks while charming a crowd. KettyBoT excels at this role as well, while also offering the venue or outside sponsors the opportunity to advertise on the robot’s large video display screen. 

 

Security is a top priority for large venues, and automation and robotics are starting to play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of visitors. Automated surveillance systems equipped with facial recognition technology promise to efficiently monitor crowds, identify potential threats, and enhance overall security. So to do drone-enabled surveillance initiatives, particularly during crowded live events. And autonomous or remotely controlled mobile security robots are proving useful in large venues, as well as more run-of-the-mill settings like office buildings, shopping centers, and public parks. By complementing human security personnel, these robots contribute to a more robust and comprehensive security infrastructure, ensuring the safety of visitors and the venue at large.

 

While most large venues have scores of volunteer and paid ushers to assist with guiding guests, answering questions, or taking tickets, new AI-powered concierge robots promise to provide helpful (and eye-catching) backup. Robots like TemiBoT can be at the ready to not only display information for guests, but respond to questions, provide directions, and physically guide visitors to locations around the facility. And because of the AI-driven versatility, TemiBoT can also perform myriad functions, from point-of-sale, to visitor check-in, to customer attraction. As automation and screen-based contact becomes more and more commonplace, AI concierge technology will play a valuable role in guest assistance for large venues.

 

 

With their massive footprint and constant stream of visitors, large venues such as stadiums, arenas and convention centers are a natural fit for new and emerging robotic solutions. Facilities in this category can significantly increase efficiency while wowing their all-important paying guests by adopting automation within specific operational niches.

 

If you’re interested in exploring autonomous robotic solutions for large facility and venue management, get in touch with us today!