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Automate Your Facility Cleaning Strategy




By Corinne Zudonyi, Editor-in-Chief

Matt Streiff, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at The Budd Group, joins CleanLink Editor-in-Chief Corinne Zudonyi in a discussion on how autonomous cleaning equipment is reshaping commercial cleaning operations. Incorporating The Budd Group's real-world experience deploying robotic floor scrubbers and autonomous mowing equipment across a wide range of customer facilities, Streiff emphasizes the company's multi-year robotics journey.

Overall, Streiff emphasizes that robotics are not replacing frontline cleaning workers. Instead, automation can help supplement shrinking labor pools and reduce repetitive, physically demanding tasks. He explains that successful robotic programs require significant employee education, ongoing maintenance, and operational oversight. Staff members must understand how to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and work alongside machines, including handling connectivity issues, learning cleaning components, and monitoring performance.

The session highlights several practical lessons learned by The Budd Group. Streiff notes that cleaning robots perform best in large, open spaces of at least 20,000 square feet and are most effective when integrated thoughtfully into existing cleaning scopes. He cautions companies against eliminating labor entirely, as autonomous machines still experience downtime, maintenance challenges, and connectivity disruptions. Leasing equipment—rather than purchasing outright—is recommended due to the rapid pace of technological advancement and frequent software upgrades.

Streiff also discusses how robotic systems generate valuable operational data that can help contractors verify completed work, demonstrate value to clients, and improve cleaning consistency. Looking ahead, he anticipates increased integration between robotic platforms, facility systems, and other automated technologies, while stressing that strong management and human oversight will remain essential for long-term success.

Watch the full video to learn more.

Corinne Zudonyi has been in the commercial cleaning industry for over 20 years and is proud to serve as Editor-in-Chief of Contracting Profits (the official publication of BSCAI), Facility Cleaning Decisions, and Sanitary Maintenance (the North American media partner of Interclean Amsterdam) magazines, publications that serve the professional cleaning industry. Additionally, Corinne manages CleanLink.com, the leading digital resource for the commercial cleaning industry, and she uses her industry knowledge to steer educational topics for Clean Buildings at NFMT East.
Corinne is the sole U.S. representative to serve on the international Interclean Amsterdam Innovation Jury, where she weighs in on product trends impacting commercial cleaning on a global scale. She also works closely with Healthy Green Schools & Colleges to advance healthy and sustainable cleaning in educational facilities. As a member of the CLEAN Awards Jury, through the Building Service Contractors Association International, Corinne also helps recognize cleaning contractors and their companies for outstanding service to the industry.
Corinne can commonly be found moderating industry panel discussions, presenting education, and focusing on bringing awareness and affirmation for the wonderful work that people do to keep facilities clean and building occupants safe and healthy.

Follow Corinne on LinkedIn here.


posted on 6/22/2026