Passengers at Heathrow Airport could soon be greeted by familiar faces with brand-new names, as the airport launches a public competition to name its fleet of autonomous cleaning robots.
More than 20 of the self-driving machines — affectionately known as “cobots” — operate across Heathrow’s terminals, quietly keeping floors spotless while weaving through crowds of travellers. Now, after winning over both staff and passengers, the robots are set to receive official names chosen by the public.
The naming campaign opened today and will run until 15 December. Members of the public are encouraged to submit their most creative ideas, whether inspired by science fiction, clever wordplay or something entirely original. A shortlist of entries will be revealed on 16 December, before finalists are put to a public vote on Heathrow’s website. The 23 winning names will be unveiled later this year, with each cobot receiving its own name badge.
The robots have become a distinctive feature of the airport, often drawing comparisons to pop culture icons such as R2-D2 from ‘Star Wars’ and the Daleks from ‘Doctor Who’. Using advanced mapping technology, they safely navigate the terminals, cleaning up to 4,800 square metres a day — the equivalent of eight football pitches. Each robot can mop and polish for up to three hours before returning to its docking station to recharge, recycling water as it works.
Daniel Edwards, Director of Services at Heathrow, said the robots have earned “icon status” among airport staff and travellers. “Amid the constant hustle and bustle of the airport, our endearing fleet of cobots work tirelessly to keep our terminals safe and squeaky clean,” he said. “We’re excited to invite the public to help give each of them a unique identity — whether that’s through a clever pun, a sci-fi tribute or something completely unexpected.”
The cobots were introduced through a partnership with facilities management company Mitie and today make up the UK’s largest fleet of autonomous cleaning robots. Mitie has provided cleaning services at Heathrow since 2022 and employs around 850 cleaning and hygiene specialists across the airport, supported by its growing range of smart cleaning technologies.
Submissions can be made via Heathrow’s website until 15 December.
Photo by heathrow.com