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Robotic pool cleaning for better hygiene
particularly effective for surveying and creating charts 2. Literature survey
in near-shore shallow waters.
Traditional swimming pool maintenance This section reviews AI technology adopting
predominantly relies on human labor, which, despite modern algorithms such as machine learning, USV,
being effective, presents several challenges. Manual Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Vector Field
cleaning is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and Histogram (VFH), and Autonomous Surface Vehicle
inconsistent, as its effectiveness depends on human (ASV). For making a variety of robotic mechanisms
skill, availability, and fatigue. In addition, human-based to achieve water cleaning and maintenance. Table 1
cleaning often follows scheduled intervals (weekly or summarizes various techniques for water monitoring
monthly), leading to potential lapses in hygiene between and waste management, highlighting their merits,
sessions. Pool maintenance personnel are also exposed demerits, and potential future enhancements. Each entry
to harmful chemicals, such as chlorine, which can cause provides insights into different robotic systems and
respiratory and skin irritation over time. technologies designed for specific applications, such as
In contrast, robotic pool cleaners offer numerous autonomous navigation, environmental monitoring, and
advantages. They provide higher efficiency by waste collection.
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operating continuously or on demand, ensuring Hasany et al. developed an autonomous water
immediate removal of debris and contaminants. Unlike surface-cleaning robot using USV technology with
human cleaners, robotic systems execute predefined navigation capabilities. This robot is designed to
cleaning patterns with greater consistency, covering autonomously clean small water bodies by collecting
the entire pool uniformly while avoiding human error. debris and garbage. It has the merit of being able to
These robots also contribute to safety improvements, navigate and operate independently in small water
as they eliminate the need for human workers to be in environments. However, it has some limitations, such
direct contact with pool chemicals and contaminated as a restricted operating time and a limited garbage-
water. Moreover, robotic pool cleaners optimize holding capacity. In addition, the robot’s effectiveness
has only been evaluated in smaller water bodies. Future
energy and water consumption, reducing operational enhancements could focus on extending battery life,
costs compared to traditional maintenance methods. increasing garbage capacity, and improving adaptability
A detailed comparison of these factors is crucial to to larger water bodies. Chang et al. introduced a water
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highlight the long-term benefits of robotic solutions in surface cleaning robot that also checks water quality,
swimming pool maintenance. utilizing USV technology but without a mechanical
Most currently available robotic pool cleaner design. This robot is capable of simultaneously cleaning
systems in the market rely on predefined path planning the water surface and monitoring water quality. Its
and basic suction mechanisms to operate. This work simplified design, which lacks mechanical components,
introduces an advanced robotic cleaner that integrates is an advantage. However, the robot has limitations
real-time debris classification using color moments, in terms of automation and path planning, making
AI-enhanced navigation, and water quality monitoring. it less effective in complex environments. Future
By incorporating ultrasonic-based obstacle avoidance enhancements could include improving automation,
and an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled remote refining path planning capabilities, and increasing
monitoring system, the proposed design offers a more adaptability for operation in a variety of environments.
adaptive and efficient cleaning solution. This article Chen et al. developed a semi-automatic drainage
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provides a detailed exploration of a swimming pool water cleaner that utilizes a mechanical cleaning
maintenance robot designed for detecting and cleaning mechanism controlled by a PLC. This device reduces
pool surfaces while also assessing the chemical quality the need for manual labor and minimizes the risks
of the water to help prevent diseases among users. The associated with cleaning hazardous drainage pipes by
structure of the article includes a survey of existing limiting human exposure to toxic gases. Although it
robotic technologies in Section 2, followed by a provides significant safety benefits, the system is only
comprehensive description of the proposed swimming semi-automatic. Future improvements could focus on
pool cleaning robot in Section 3. Section 4 illustrates achieving full automation and incorporating advanced
the functionality of the algorithm employed in the sensors to detect hazardous gases, enhancing safety and
robot, and the article concludes with a summary of the efficiency. Jeon et al. developed an automated sewage
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findings in Section 5. wastewater treatment system that utilizes a Siemens
Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 21 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.6564