Autonomous cleaning, made safer and more reliable: Cleanfix Robotics uses 3D ultrasonic sensing technology from Sonair

With the new generation of the RA660 Navi XL, Cleanfix Robotics is taking autonomous cleaning to the next level. By integrating Sonair’s ADAR 3D ultrasonic sensor, the robot gains robust, light-independent spatial perception designed for dynamic, complex and demanding cleaning environments.

Autonomous cleaning robots are increasingly used in commercial and industrial environments where rising costs, labor shortages, tight cleaning windows and higher hygiene standards put pressure on facility management teams.

These robots often operate unattended, at night and side by side with people. In the real world, however, dust, moisture, reflective surfaces, changing layouts and low-profile obstacles can challenge conventional perception systems.

With the new generation of the RA660 Navi XL, Cleanfix Robotics has moved away from complex, multi-sensor configurations and integrated purpose-built 3D ultrasonic sensing from Sonair. At the center of this development is ADAR, Sonair’s 3D ultrasonic sensor, which supports reliable perception where camera- and laser-based systems such as LiDAR can reach physical limits.

The challenge: autonomous cleaning in dynamic, real-world environments

Unlike traditional industrial automation, where robots usually operate in clearly defined workspaces, autonomous cleaning robots work in open and constantly changing environments.

Gyms, schools, logistics centers, production facilities, public buildings and administrative environments are shaped by pedestrian traffic, temporary obstacles and unpredictable situations. People move through aisles. Forklifts cross intersections. Equipment, pallets, bags, tools, waste or sports items may appear where the robot did not expect them.

One of the biggest challenges is the reliable detection of small, flat or partially hidden obstacles close to the ground. Examples include waste, sports equipment, tools, forklift forks, pallet edges and overhanging loads in warehouse aisles.

Conventional 2D sensors may fail to detect these objects reliably. The result can be collisions, unnecessary stops or inefficient detours. Since autonomous cleaning is designed for continuous, repeated operation across large areas, even short interruptions can directly impact efficiency, operating costs and customer satisfaction.

The solution: 3D ultrasonic perception with ADAR from Sonair

With ADAR, Cleanfix has achieved a major technical step forward for the RA660 Navi XL: true 3D spatial awareness based on ultrasonic sensing.

Earlier generations relied on up to 14 linear ultrasonic sensors, each covering only a limited area. ADAR consolidates these functions into a single sensor, generating a three-dimensional point cloud with a field of view of up to 180 × 180 degrees.

This gives the new RA660 Navi XL a more complete understanding of its immediate surroundings and supports reliable obstacle detection in complex environments.

How ADAR works

ADAR stands for Acoustic Detection and Ranging. It uses a MEMS ultrasonic array with electronic beamforming to emit pulses in multiple directions. Reflected signals are processed to create a 3D model of the environment around the robot.

This allows the RA660 Navi XL to detect small, ground-level or partially occluded obstacles both at range and directly in front of the platform. It also supports the detection of objects protruding into the driving path or located close to people.

The resulting perception data is fed into the robot’s control system, where it influences navigation and motion behavior in real time. This supports smooth, predictable operation in dynamic and shared environments.

Key technical characteristics of ADAR include:

• 3D perception instead of a flat 2D view
• Spatial data capture across the robot’s surroundings
• Up to 4 meters of sensing range
• Full vertical 180 × 180 degree field of view
• Configurable safety zones
• Continuous monitoring of one stop zone and two warning zones
• Up to 128 pre-configurable safety zones
• Light-independent obstacle detection
• Robust perception in dust, moisture, darkness and challenging surface conditions

Why ultrasonic sensing matters for autonomous cleaning

One of the main advantages of ultrasonic technology lies in its physical properties.

Unlike camera-based systems, ADAR does not depend on image data. Unlike LiDAR, it is largely insensitive to dust, moisture, darkness and transparent or highly reflective surfaces. This makes it especially relevant for professional cleaning environments, where exactly these conditions are common.

In practice, this means the robot can operate more reliably in environments where optical systems may struggle. Glass surfaces, shiny floors, dust particles, humid areas, changing light conditions or reflections are less likely to compromise perception.

Stable system behavior through robust perception

A key development goal for the updated RA660 Navi XL was stable and predictable system behavior in daily operation.

In real-world cleaning environments, the limits of existing perception concepts become visible. Camera- or LiDAR-based sensing systems can misinterpret particles, moisture or reflections as obstacles. This may lead to false detections, unnecessary stops or unstable movement behavior.

ADAR’s robust perception helps reduce false obstacle detections caused by environmental effects. The result is fewer unplanned stops and a smoother motion profile, especially in open spaces or environments where people are also working.

High data protection by design

The RA660 Navi XL operates without cameras. It neither captures nor stores image data. Instead, it relies exclusively on sensor data for navigation and obstacle detection.

This is a major advantage in sensitive environments where people, confidential processes or protected information are present. Relevant use cases include schools, gyms, public facilities, industrial sites and administrative buildings.

Data protection is therefore not achieved through additional safeguards around image data. It is achieved by deliberately omitting image-based sensing altogether.

For operators, this simplifies deployment and helps reduce concerns around privacy, surveillance and data handling.

Lower maintenance effort and higher economic efficiency

ADAR also brings advantages from a maintenance and operating cost perspective.

Because the sensor does not require optical lenses or covers that need regular cleaning, maintenance effort is reduced. This means fewer service interventions, less downtime and higher system availability.

For operators managing several machines, this is especially important. In daily operation, fewer manual interventions directly support higher productivity. In night-time cleaning, where robots are often expected to run unattended for hours, reliability and availability are critical.

In fleet operation, these improvements can reduce total cost of ownership and support the scalable deployment of autonomous cleaning solutions.

Lean sensor architecture for a robust overall system

Cleanfix deliberately follows a lean sensor architecture.

Thanks to its 180 × 180 degree field of view and 3D perception capabilities, ADAR can replace multiple dedicated sensors. This reduces sensor count and system complexity compared with camera-heavy or multi-sensor architectures.

Fewer components mean:

• less cabling
• fewer potential failure points
• reduced system complexity
• easier integration
• higher reliability in daily operation
• improved scalability in series production

For a professional cleaning robot, this is not just an engineering benefit. It directly supports the reliability and serviceability customers expect from an autonomous cleaning platform.

More than a sensor: the new RA660 Navi XL platform

The new RA660 Navi XL is not only defined by its sensor technology. The robot platform itself has also been updated to improve durability, maintenance and usability.

Key platform updates include:

• a new chassis
• improved service access
• IP66-rated electronics
• a revised drive system
• greater durability
• easier maintenance
• a new user interface
• improved communication with the surrounding environment

These improvements strengthen the RA660 Navi XL as a complete autonomous cleaning system for demanding professional applications.

Supporting functional safety in dynamic environments

The RA660 Navi XL is designed in accordance with IEC 63327 for autonomous cleaning machines.

Improved environmental perception through ADAR supports predictable system behavior and makes a substantial contribution to the functional safety of the robot. In dynamic environments where people, objects and workflows constantly change, this is essential.

The robot’s safety concept is complemented by:

• integrated safety warning light
• BlueSpot visual warning system
• status LEDs
• acoustic signals
• active communication with the surrounding environment
• revised operating concept
• new user interface

In parallel, ADAR is currently undergoing the process of PLd / SIL2 safety certification.

The result: reliable autonomous cleaning in complex environments

With the integration of Sonair’s ADAR 3D ultrasonic sensor, Cleanfix Robotics strengthens the RA660 Navi XL in the areas that matter most in everyday operation:

• more robust obstacle detection
• fewer false detections
• fewer unplanned stops
• smoother motion behavior
• better detection of small and low-profile objects
• improved perception in dust, moisture, darkness and reflective environments
• reduced maintenance effort
• camera-free operation
• stronger data protection
• lower system complexity
• improved functional safety
• higher availability in fleet operation

This is especially relevant in environments where cleaning robots need to work reliably for long periods with minimal human intervention.

Built for real-world cleaning, not controlled lab conditions

Autonomous cleaning only creates value when it works reliably in daily operation.

That means the robot must handle environments that are never perfectly prepared: objects are moved, people walk through cleaning zones, floors reflect light, dust appears, moisture is present and layouts change.

The new generation of the RA660 Navi XL addresses exactly these realities. By combining Cleanfix’s long-standing experience in professional cleaning robotics with Sonair’s 3D ultrasonic sensing, the platform is designed for robust, predictable and scalable autonomous cleaning.

Conclusion: robust technology for the realities of everyday cleaning

With the new generation of the RA660 Navi XL, Cleanfix Robotics uses modern sensor technology to further align autonomous robotics with the realities of everyday cleaning operations.

The integration of ADAR 3D ultrasonic sensing from Sonair is a key building block for robust, light-independent environmental perception and stable, predictable system behavior — even under changing and challenging conditions.

And the journey continues: Cleanfix will use the experience gained with the new RA660 Navi XL to further develop future machines and product generations, ensuring that perception, safety and real-world usability are designed together from the outset.

Cleanfix Robotics: A pioneer in autonomous cleaning

Cleanfix Reinigungssysteme AG has been developing and distributing professional cleaning machines for decades. Founded in Switzerland in 1976, Cleanfix is widely regarded as a pioneer in autonomous cleaning.

In 2008, Cleanfix introduced the world’s first professional cleaning robot. The RA660 Navi platform, launched in 2015 and continuously developed ever since, forms the foundation for the new generation of the RA660 Navi XL — designed for dynamic operating environments and reliable professional use.