By Linley McConnell

Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are advancing faster than most of us can comfortably keep up with, and while it’s tempting to think these changes are still years away, the reality is that in some places, they’re already here. This month, I want to explore how robotics are already showing up in our industry and what is worth paying attention to as we think about the future of our operations.

Spindle Robotics, ‘Automation Designed for Real Laundry Floors’

One company that is investing in the robotics space is Spindle Robotics. They position themselves as ‘laundry’s robot integrator’. Spindle is not selling a single piece of futuristic equipment; their focus is on integrating robotics into existing laundry workflows to reduce uncertainty, improve consistency, and ease labour pressure.

With experience in commercial laundry environments, Spindle is developing collaborative robots that can safely work alongside people, along with systems designed to automate tasks such as hang-to-hook sorting, ‘smart packout conveyor’, and garment transfer between stations. Their roadmap also includes robotic linen feeding and palletizing, both areas that traditionally rely on repetitive and physically demanding labour.

What stands out is that the goal is not human replacement – it is predictability. By removing some of the most repetitive tasks from the floor, operators can redeploy teams toward quality control, exception handling and customer-focused work, where human judgment still matters most.

When Laundry Meets Silicon Valley: Helix by Figure

On the more futuristic end of the spectrum is Helix , the artificial intelligence system developed by Figure. In 2025, Helix demonstrated a humanoid robot autonomously folding laundry (although its technique could use some work), learning how to handle fabric through experience rather than rigid programming.

Laundry has long been considered one of the hardest challenges in robotics. Why? Clothing is unpredictable. Fabrics stretch, wrinkle, and behave differently from one wash to the next. There is no standard shape, size or stiffness, and little margin for error. That is exactly what makes this development so noteworthy.

(Here’s a link to an article about why folding laundry, which is easy for
us, is so difficult for robots.)

While humanoid robots are not about to replace commercial laundry teams (yet), this progress signals something important. Robots may enter the household to support domestic tasks like emptying the dishwasher or folding a load of laundry. It’s important to stay on top of these developments, the price point of these advances, and how it may affect service offerings like wash-and-fold in the future.

Presso

Robotics are also making meaningful inroads into garment cleaning and finishing. Presso, who presented at the latest Clean Show, offers an example of how automation can enhance quality and consistency without over-complicating operations. The company has developed a variety of machines, including an automated pressing system that uses robotic motion control, tensioning and precision steam to deliver consistent finishes across a range of garments. Pre-programmed cycles help standardize results, while smart fabric sensing adjusts the process for everything from delicate silks to everyday cotton. The equipment is compact, requires minimal training, and does not rely on highly specialized pressing labour. At a time when skilled pressers are increasingly difficult to find, this type of technology offers operators a way to protect quality while increasing throughout.

Predictive Maintenance

Another important area where robotics and AI are already delivering value is predictive maintenance. Sensors embedded in laundry and textile machinery collect data on vibration, temperature an performance patterns. AI systems then analyze that data to predict when equipment is likely to need service. Instead of reacting to breakdowns, operators can schedule maintenance proactively, reducing downtime, extending equipment life, and protecting throughput. While this form of automation may not look like a robot on the floor, its impact is often felt just as strongly. Fewer surprises. More operation time. Better control over costs.

So, Are Robots Taking Over?

Not exactly (yet). But they are finding their place. I must emphasize again, robotics features in laundry are not about eliminating people. They are about supporting teams, improving consistency, and addressing the operational challenges our industry faces, especially around labour, safety and efficiency. The operators who benefit most will not be the ones chasing every new piece of technology, but those who stay curious, informed and intentional about where automation truly adds value.

Exponential growth does not arrive in one dramatic moment. It shows up quietly, then all at once. The robots are already here. The opportunity is deciding how, and where, we use them in collaboration with us.

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