The first robotic cleaning assistant, named SOFie, has started its operation at Sofia airport. She comes from Dr. Sasse side – the company responsible for airport cleaning since March 2022. SOFie has just landed from Singapore and is the newest member of the international family of SOF Connect. The mechanical creature with state-of-the-art technological and operational feasibility could be seen rolling into Terminal 2 areas carefully operating between passengers and their luggage already in pursue of Christmas holidays.
The she-robot is up to the latest trends in electronics and robotics engineering; she is equipped with lot of sensors allowing her to perform her cleaning duties. SOFie has a capacity of 5-hour shift at one battery charge or 1 450 m2 cleaned space per hour. Her cleaning performance is described with high suction power and low water consumption due to the latest technological solution implemented and in line with sustainability policy embedded in SOF Connect’s agenda.
“We are very proud to be the first company to introduce robotics at a Bulgarian airport in partnership with SOF Connect. We have now implemented our robotics concept at almost all airports served by the Sasse Group. Besides our desire to be recognised as an innovation ambassador, this step is also a response to the recruitment challenges triggered by the pandemic. A cleaning robot cannot fully replace good staff, of course, but it can help compensate for labour shortages and to raise hygiene standards at the airport,” said Benny Wunderlich, Managing Director of Sasse Group on the occasion of SOFie’s introduction.
“SOFie is here and fully technologically armed. She lends helping robotic hand to Sofia Airport appointed cleaning company. We have listened to years of feedback from our passengers about cleanliness and thanks to SOFie we will have a more pleasant environment at the airport. She is not only an effective assistant, but also a magnet for passengers who are already taking pictures with her,“ stated Jesus Caballero – Chief Executive Director of Sofia Airport.
Travel and meet SOFie in her natural domain – Terminal 2 of Sofia Airport.