It looks like office cleaning is always going to be headed by humans – for the simple fact that people like working with people, and machines don’t really come up with novel solutions to complex problems. Machines are, however, very good at executing commands and doing repetitive work.

Take sewing machines as an example. These things revolutionised the textile industry and transformed our relationship with clothing, by automating the sewing process. But this never stopped designers and outfitters doing their jobs.

And what about the automotive industry – where production lines are famously filled with robotic, computer-controlled arms, lifting components and welding cars together? They’re still heavily reliant on humans checking in, running maintenance, and overseeing quality.

Just as it is in these industries, office cleaning will be human-led. Probably forever. Or at least until we decide to do a Wall-E and abandon the planet!