What Does Robomatic Marvin Really See?

What questions or concerns come up most frequently in discussions with customers?

The most common questions concern the location of the servers, the storage of camera images and the transmission of data. Many customers also want to know who can access the data, which partners are involved in data processing and what security measures Wetrok has implemented. We also regularly receive requests for evidence of data protection assessments, information on data retention periods and confirmation that data has been deleted.

Marvin moves autonomously through production halls and other sensitive operational areas. What information does he capture about his surroundings?

Marvin captures his surroundings using the sensors required for navigation and safe operation. The focus is on obstacles, clear travel paths and the cleaning route he has learned. The sensors are used exclusively for navigation and obstacle detection.

Can Marvin recognise or even identify people? What happens if someone crosses his path?

Marvin detects when an obstacle is in his path and either avoids it or stops. However, he does not distinguish between a person and an object. The sensors represent the surroundings as a point cloud rather than as a photograph. This means that individual people cannot be identified.

What data does Marvin need to navigate safely and follow his cleaning route?

The robot operates according to the “Teach & Repeat” method. The area to be cleaned is first driven manually. During this process, the cleaning settings and routes are recorded and stored locally on the machine. In autonomous operation, Marvin uses the map created during this process for navigation. Marvin continuously detects new obstacles using his sensors.

What information is processed directly on the machine, and what data is transmitted to a server?

All data required for the safe operation of the machine is processed directly on the machine, enabling it to respond in real time. During normal operation, Marvin only transmits basic statistical information to us, such as whether he was able to navigate successfully or whether an emergency stop was triggered. For fleet management in Wetrok Connect, additional information such as location, status, cleaning times, charging times and operating times is transmitted. For particularly confidential environments, Marvin can be operated without a SIM card and therefore completely offline. In this operating mode, no data is transmitted. However, software updates for the machine are then not possible.

Does Marvin store camera recordings or other image data?

During normal operation, no camera recordings are stored either in the cloud or on the machine. Only with the customer’s explicit consent can additional data be temporarily stored on the machine, for example for more detailed fault analysis and diagnostic purposes.

What happens to the stored routes and environmental data? Can they reveal information about a building or how it is used?

The route and map data remain on the machine and are not automatically transmitted. The map represents the spatial structure. The map data alone does not reveal the geographical location of the space. Individuals are not identified in the map.

Who can access the data, and how is it prevented from falling into the wrong hands?

Access to Marvin and the associated systems is restricted to a small, clearly defined group of authorised individuals in Switzerland. Data transmission is encrypted, as is the machine’s local data storage. Marvin also only accepts files that can be verified as originating from our robotics partner. In Wetrok Connect, access is restricted to individuals authorised to manage the machine fleet.

What does storing the data on servers in Switzerland mean for data security?

All data stored on servers is located in Switzerland. This gives our customers transparency about where their data is processed. At the same time, we avoid storing data in unknown or undisclosed locations. Depending on the area of application, additional data protection regulations may apply, which we also take into account.

How are software updates transmitted and protected against unauthorised access?   

Updates are transmitted via an encrypted mobile network connection and protected against tampering. Marvin only accepts authorised software packages. The robotics software is updated by our robotics partner on behalf of Wetrok.

What happens to the data if Marvin is sold, taken out of service or removed from a site?    

Customers can ask us to delete the data at any time, for example when the machine is sold, taken out of service or moved to a different location. Upon request, we will provide written confirmation that the data has been deleted.

Will data protection and cybersecurity become even more important for autonomous cleaning machines in the future?    

Yes, we are convinced they will. The more robots become part of everyday life, the more important it is that people can trust them. And trust can only be built if data is well protected. Data protection and cybersecurity are taken into account throughout the entire product lifecycle. This includes ongoing risk assessments, secure software updates and clearly defined processes for addressing potential vulnerabilities. At the same time, we are aligning our processes and products with the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act as they gradually come into effect.

What do you say to customers who still have concerns about data protection?    

Data protection and data security are a high priority for Marvin. We only process the data required for safe and reliable operation. Our customers should always be able to understand what data is generated, where it is stored and who can access it. For us, this transparency is an essential foundation for trust in autonomous cleaning.