Dutch logistics service provider Nabuurs Supply Chain Solutions has reduced the labour requirement for routine warehouse cleaning by an estimated 60 to 70% after introducing an autonomous Tennant T16AMR floor scrubber.
The machine has been operating at Nabuurs’ 60,000m² logistics facility in Oosterhout since July 2025, providing autonomous cleaning alongside conventional operations.
The move followed a trial and return-on-investment analysis carried out by Nabuurs and cleaning equipment specialist Tennant. The objective was to maintain cleaning standards while reducing the number of hours employees needed to operate a conventional floor scrubber.
Before the project, Nabuurs used a Tennant M17 ride-on scrubber. While the machine delivered the required cleaning results, it required a dedicated employee to operate it for several hours each day.
The challenge was therefore not cleaning performance, but the amount of labour required to maintain that performance across a large and busy logistics operation.
Automation tackles labour challenge
Following an operational evaluation and trial, Nabuurs selected the autonomous T16AMR.
The machine was considered suitable for the site because of its ability to clean large warehouse areas autonomously, its cylindrical brush configuration and its co-bot functionality, which allows it to be operated either autonomously or manually.
It also incorporates navigation and safety functions powered by BrainOS.
The trial included a detailed ROI analysis comparing the existing M17 cleaning operation with the expected long-term operational savings from the T16AMR.
Preparing the robot for daily operations
Nabuurs also took an active approach to preparing its workforce for the introduction of autonomous cleaning.
During the trial, an internal cleaning team was responsible for training and optimising the T16AMR. This allowed the team to programme and test all cleaning routes before the final investment decision, optimise routes and schedules, and familiarise employees with the machine’s operation.
As a result, all the cleaning routes had already been programmed and tested when the machine was purchased, allowing it to be integrated quickly into daily cleaning activities.
Because all routes had already been implemented during the trial, the machine was effectively ready for use from day one
said Harrie Gijsbers and Dave Goedkeure of Nabuurs Supply Chain Solutions.
Safety in a busy warehouse
Safety was another important consideration, given the level of vehicle and warehouse traffic at the site.
Recent BrainOS software updates introduced functions that allow operators to set specific points where the robot can briefly stop in busy traffic areas, issue warning signals when approaching junctions or crossings, and support navigation on busy warehouse routes.
According to Nabuurs, these functions increased confidence in using autonomous equipment within an active logistics environment.
60,000m² cleaned autonomously
Since entering service on 1 July 2025, the T16AMR has become a permanent part of the cleaning operation at Oosterhout.
During its first 333 days, the machine delivered consistent autonomous cleaning performance across the 60,000m² warehouse. The project team reports reduced reliance on employees for routine floor cleaning, consistent cleaning results and improved operational efficiency, without disrupting daily operations.
Usage data shows that the T16AMR cleans an average of 1,774m² per day, equivalent to 12,420m² per week and more than 54,000m² per month.
The machine operates autonomously for an average of 5.57 hours per week and more than 24 hours per month. This allows Nabuurs to maintain its cleaning standards without requiring a dedicated operator throughout the process.
The machine now operates autonomously for almost 63% of its total usage time. Tennant estimates that its introduction has reduced the labour requirement for routine floor cleaning by approximately 60 to 70%.
Looking beyond the pilot
Nabuurs and Tennant have worked together for around six years, and the relationship is continuing to develop as Nabuurs explores further opportunities to improve operational efficiency and standardise cleaning across its logistics network.
The results at Oosterhout have already led to discussions about a possible future rollout of autonomous cleaning to other Nabuurs sites in the Netherlands.
The project demonstrates how autonomous cleaning technology can move beyond a pilot project and become part of a routine operational process in a busy warehouse.
For Nabuurs, the T16AMR has reduced the labour burden associated with floor cleaning while maintaining cleaning standards across a 60,000m² logistics facility. The company is now considering whether the approach can be extended across its wider network.
