TTC tests robotic cleaning machines in subway stations as part of ongoing tech evaluation
Videos of cleaning robots operating in TTC stations circulated on social media. The TTC confirmed testing and said no permanent deployment decision has been made.
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The TTC is testing robotic cleaning machines in its subway system as part of an ongoing technology evaluation program, the transit authority confirmed after videos of the machines operating in stations circulated on social media.
"The robotic cleaning machines are only out for testing and performance analysis at this time," the TTC said in a statement. The testing is an extension of a program dating to 2018, when the TTC began evaluating new cleaning technologies.
No decision has been made on permanent deployment of the machines. If the TTC moves forward with robotic cleaning in the future, any rollout would involve consultation with TTC workforce and labour representatives. The authority has not announced a timeline for permanent deployment nor plans to replace existing cleaning operations with robotic machines.
The authority continues to evaluate technologies that could improve efficiency and service quality, though robotics remains in the testing phase.
