Students visiting MacEwan University’s library this semester may have noticed a new addition to the space: a robotic cleaner. The university is experimenting with a Gausium Phantas autonomous floor-cleaning robot, adding another new way to keep the campus clean.
The robot has been observed cleaning the library’s collaborative study area and the pathway leading to the front desk. The Phantas is designed to vacuum, sweep, scrub, and mop floors.
According to third-party retailers, the machines can cost tens-of-thousands of dollars, although it is unclear how much MacEwan paid for the robot, or whether the university purchased or leased it.
Students who spoke with the Griff had mixed reactions to the pilot.
“I’m for it, why not? But I feel like an actual janitor or someone who cleans the place would probably be more effective in my humble opinion.”
– Eunice, a MacEwan student.
He said he would prefer to see people cleaning the university rather than the university relying on robots.
Jocelynn Matheson told the Griff via Macewan Student Life that they questioned whether the robot was a good use of university resources.
“I just met the robot, and I feel it is a waste of resources and money that could be given back to the students,” Matheson said, suggesting the money could go toward lower tuition or more academic support for students.
The pilot comes as MacEwan makes other changes to how waste is handled on campus, including the removal and reinstatement of garbage bins in classrooms.
The Griff reached out to MacEwan University for information about the pilot, including its cost, purpose, and duration. The university did not respond before publication.
