cleaning floor with machine in airport


The ISSA Show North America by Informa announces the launch of the Robotics & Autonomous Cleaning Experience (R.A.C.E.), debuting November 17-19, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas. Showcasing more than 40 robotics and autonomous floor cleaning companies, this new experience addresses the cleaning industry's most pressing operational challenges by providing hands-on exposure to autonomous cleaning technologies and connecting building service contractors (BSCs) and facility managers with robotics manufacturers and implementation experts.

The cleaning robot market is projected to grow from $14.8 billion in 2025 to $96.8 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.6 percent. Adoption is spurred by the need to manage rising labor costs, and there is an opportunity to bring education and resources to the cleaning industry to support the implementation of these practices to address challenges.

Addressing Critical Industry Opportunities

R.A.C.E. provides participants with tools and insights to implement proven autonomous solutions that tackle three major operational challenges:

1. Workforce Crisis Mitigation: Autonomous robots reduce dependency on manual labor for repetitive tasks, enabling contractors to maintain service levels despite labor shortages.
2. Elevated Cleanliness Standards: Robotic systems provide consistent performance with comprehensive data tracking and coverage documentation, meeting expectations for documented cleanliness.
3. Operational Efficiency & Productivity: Autonomous floor cleaning equipment executes defined roles, records coverage data, and frees human workers for customer-facing responsibilities and skilled cleaning operations, delivering measurable improvements in productivity and operational consistency.

To effectively showcase these innovations, R.A.C.E. will include two dedicated areas for live demonstrations of autonomous robots in real-world facility scenarios. Expert-led education programming will include panel discussions and seminars on implementation strategies, safety compliance, and return on investment (ROI) optimization. Its Industry Innovation Showcase will present direct networking opportunities with technology leaders and emerging solution providers, allowing them to exchange industry insights on the future of commercial cleaning operations.

Bridging Labor Challenges

Cleaning robotics have evolved from pilot programs to established operational tools with proven ROI, offering data-driven insights that enable evidence-based decision-making and continuous operational improvement.

"The future of cleaning is where technology and human talent work hand in hand. Autonomous robotics provides the support our workforce needs to overcome labor challenges, meet rising expectations, and focus on the work that truly matters,” shares Ed Nichols, Show Director, ISSA Show North America. “By introducing the R.A.C.E. component of the show, we strive to empower professionals to thrive in an evolving industry."

R.A.C.E. will showcase:

• Autonomous Floor Care: Floor cleaning equipment with advanced navigation systems, extended runtime capabilities, and equipment configurations for complex facility environments
• Sensor-Informed Predictive Cleaning: Occupancy and traffic data integration for targeted cleaning efforts
• Quality Assurance and Digital Auditing: Digital inspection systems and AI-supported performance dashboards linking tasks, outcomes, and accountability measures

Delivering Value Across the Cleaning Industry

BSCs can evaluate proven robotic solutions, learn from peer implementations, and discover how automation addresses labor shortages while improving service delivery and margins.

Distributors will be able to explore high-margin robotics opportunities, connect directly with manufacturers, and position themselves as technology advisors with value-added implementation services.

Facility operators can compare vendors, access implementation roadmaps, and discover solutions for budget optimization and workforce stability while meeting elevated cleanliness standards.