Cleany McCleanface? Heathrow asks the public to name its lovable cleaning robots

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• Heathrow has launched public submissions to name its fleet of over 20 cleaning robots 
• The autonomous ‘cobots’ are popular amongst passengers, with a striking resemblance to pop culture icons such as R2-D2 and Doctor Who’s Daleks 
• Shortlisted suggestions will go to a public vote before Heathrow reveals the cobots’ official names 

Heathrow has today opened submissions for the public to suggest names for its fleet of cleaning robots, also known as ‘cobots’. The robots have become familiar friends to passengers and colleagues alike, and as a nod to their dedicated service, Heathrow plans to officially name each of them.

Until 15 December, passengers and the public are invited to get creative and come up with names for the cobots. These suggestions will be shortlisted before going to a final vote, launching on Heathrow’s website. Once the final votes have been counted, each cobot will be awarded with its own unique name and adorned with a name badge.

Trusty companions of Heathrow’s cleaning teams, the cobots keep the airport’s terminals spick and span. Recycling water as they go, each cobot uses cutting-edge technology to clean up to 4,800m² per day, equivalent to the size of eight football pitches. The friendly cobots mop and polish throughout the terminals for up to three hours before returning to their docking stations to recharge. Once powered up again, they head out to continue their diligent work.

Reminiscent of iconic sci-fi characters such as Doctor Who’s Daleks and R2-D2 from the Star Wars franchise, the cobots regularly attract attention from passengers, impressed by their ability to safely weave through the terminals using a unique mapping system to navigate the airport.

Daniel Edwards, Director of Services at Heathrow, said: “Amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport, our endearing fleet of cobots work diligently to keep our terminals safe and squeaky clean. Now, having achieved ‘icon’ status amongst Heathrow colleagues and passengers, we are excited to invite the public to help us award each cobot its own unique name. Whether it’s a clever pun, a sci-fi tribute or something totally unexpected, we are looking forward to seeing what people come up with.”

The name submission page launched on Heathrow’s website today and will close on 15 December: www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/help-us-name-our-cobots. A final shortlist of the best entries will be revealed on 16 December, when Heathrow will invite the public to vote for their favourite names. The final 23 names will then be announced later this year.

The cobots were introduced to Heathrow in partnership with facilities management company Mitie and represent the UK’s largest fleet of autonomous cleaning robots. Mitie has delivered cleaning services across Heathrow’s terminals since 2022, with 850 cleaning and hygiene specialists working across the airport, supported by Mitie’s innovative cleaning technology.