Kendal at Oberlin Introduces “Floorence”

November 11, 2024

OBERLIN, OH — Kendal at Oberlin, a nonprofit life plan community in northeast Ohio, has introduced its first energy-efficient cleaning robot. The robot is affectionately called “Floorence,” thanks to a popular naming contest at the senior living community. The device is a move toward improved efficiency and efforts to address workplace staffing challenges, according to a press release. Floorence aims to help out in high-traffic areas.

A generous grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation, which covered 75 percent of the purchase cost, made the robot possible at Kendal at Oberlin.

Floorence, developed by Pringle Robotics, can perform tasks verbally, avoid obstacles, return to its charging port autonomously, and be assigned cleaning tasks remotely via an app. In addition to supporting current staffing needs, the robot also reportedly reduces potential work-related injuries, and it is expected to elevate overall operational efficiency.

“The robot certainly won’t replace any jobs,” said Environmental Operations Manager Crystal Hall, who oversees Floorence. “However, the housekeeping department does experience staffing shortages, making it difficult to keep up with the floor care needs spanning this large community. So, the cleaning robot will be a big help.”

Kendal at Oberlin is about a mile from Oberlin College and Conservatory, and 40 minutes or so from downtown Cleveland. It offers a resident-led lifestyle with access to music, art, and lifelong learning. The CCRC is an affiliate of the Kendal System, offering values-driven services in the Quaker tradition.