UNIVERSAL Gebäudereinigung: how a robot lightens one person’s workload every hour
At the MyZeil shopping centre in Frankfurt, a new “team member” is turning heads and improving efficiency. The Wetrok Robomatic Marvin cleaning robot has been taking care of edge cleaning since May 2023, saving the equivalent of one person per hour of work. Project Manager Michael Hopf explains how technology and profitability go hand in hand.
Katharina Jacobi
Published
Technology that serves people
Few people know the cleaning industry as well as Michael Hopf. Active in the business since 1968, he now manages operations at the MyZeil shopping centre in Frankfurt as Project Manager for UNIVERSAL Gebäudereinigung.
For him, the principle is simple: “An innovation is only valuable if it helps us reduce costs and improve efficiency. Technology alone doesn’t excite us, but its benefits do.”
His philosophy reflects a modern mindset: digitalisation is not an end in itself, but a tool to support people and streamline processes.
Collaboration between people and robots
The Robomatic Marvin cleaning robot is the perfect addition to the MyZeil cleaning team. While the robot takes care of edge cleaning, staff focus on the main floor surfaces, waste management, and the maintenance of glass railings.
The impact is tangible. “By having people and the robot work in parallel, we save the equivalent of one person per hour,” says Hopf. “In the past, two staff members were needed for these tasks. Today, Marvin cleans precisely, reliably, and without interruption.”
«The robot truly supports our team. It doesn’t take work away from anyone, it gives people time and that is what real progress looks like.»
A small celebrity that enhances safety
At MyZeil, Marvin attracts not only dust but also attention. Visitors film him, children wave, and some curious onlookers test how well he avoids obstacles. “Marvin has almost become as famous as the shopping centre itself,” says Hopf with a smile.
Beyond the curiosity factor, the robot adds genuine value in terms of safety. On rainy days, when puddles form on the upper floors, Marvin immediately moves in to remove the water. “The floors stay dry and slip-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.”
Wetrok quality: a family tradition
For Hopf, choosing Wetrok was an easy decision. His father, also a master cleaner, was already using Wetrok machines in the 1970s. “He always said: a Wetrok machine is the Mercedes of cleaning equipment — reliable, robust, and long-lasting.”
That belief has endured through generations. “Wetrok quality has always paid off — in reliability, cost-effectiveness, and trust,” Hopf explains.
Easy to use, backed by expertise
Programming the robot is remarkably straightforward. The site manager simply guides Marvin along the desired route once, and the machine memorises it automatically. After that, it only needs to be placed at the starting point to begin autonomous cleaning.
“We can modify routes at any time without calling a technician,” Hopf explains. “That saves time, money, and allows us to react quickly to changes in the mall.”
Flexibility in a dynamic environment
A shopping centre is a constantly changing environment: decorations, furniture, and promotional stands shift regularly. For Hopf, this isn’t a challenge but a demonstration of Marvin’s strength.
“Marvin adapts quickly to new surroundings. If something blocks his path, we simply teach him a new route. In less than ten minutes, he’s back at work,” he says.
Efficiency and adaptability have become essential qualities in modern facility management.
Conclusion: a future built on collaboration
For Michael Hopf, there’s no doubt that robots like Marvin will play a key role in shaping the future of cleaning — always alongside people. “Routine tasks can be automated, but true quality will always depend on people who work with care and responsibility.”
With the Wetrok Robomatic Marvin, UNIVERSAL Gebäudereinigung has found a solution that combines technology, efficiency, and humanity.
