CHICAGO — In the ever-evolving landscape of business automation, artificial intelligence — or AI — is making waves in unexpected places. From self-driving cars to personalized shopping experiences, AI’s potential seems boundless. But what about AI and laundromats?
Envision a store where machines predict load sizes, adjust detergent levels, and even offer tailored washing programs based on fabric types. This technology isn't just about convenience; it's about efficiency, cost savings, and better customer experiences.
In a recent Coin Laundry Association webinar, a trio of panelists with experience in software development, digital marketing and laundromat management discussed AI’s potential role in operating more efficient and customer-focused laundries.
Trey Bowden, project manager with digital marketing agency Spynr, says he uses AI in his work every day and calls it “a game changer for all of us as it relates to really improving your operations.”
“Whether it's tied to the back of the house, to the front of the house, and laundromats and laundry services, it can allow you to really scale,” he says. “There’s a ton of (customer and production) data that you’ll always have access to if you’re an owner, a service provider, what have you. It can allow you to speed up that process of that analysis and ultimately work on ways to better engage with your customer base and deliver better experiences.”
Despite its spike in popularity these past few years, artificial intelligence has been around since the 1950s, says Cleantie’s Al Anjavi.
“I remember when I was getting my computer science degree in college, taking a course in AI was mandatory,” says Anjavi, whose company produces cloud-based point-of-sale systems for laundries and dry cleaners. “We use (AI) in our everyday lives. We use it in virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. We use it with our navigation systems and so forth.”
Anjavi sees opportunities for AI use in laundries in the areas of equipment maintenance, inventory control and personalizing the customer experience.
Paul Hansen of Laundry Growth Partners, and a multi-store laundromat owner himself, acknowledges that AI can elicit feelings of trepidation, thanks to a popular 1984 movie called “The Terminator.” AI nearly wipes out humanity in the future by causing a nuclear holocaust. An unrelenting cybernetic assassin is sent back in time to kill the woman whose unborn son will ultimately save the world.
“AI is obviously very scary,” he quips. “Obviously, everyone thinks that Arnold Schwarzenegger is going to break down your door and, you know, kill us all.”
There are no androids folding clothes at Hansen’s Chicago stores — “My employees are great. They’re not robots just yet.” — but he is using AI to help train his staff.
“We’re in the process of setting up a comprehensive training package for all of our employees,” he says. “Most of our employees are Spanish speakers as their primary language, so having a couple AIs that can translate automatically and seamlessly for you is great. Even for videos, creating videos with avatars. Helping me write the script. I’m not a wordsmith, so I can plug that in there and it makes me sound like I’m very eloquent.”
In Tuesday’s conclusion: Working within a laundry’s ebb and flow
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].
