Fitness studio introduces robot employee for sanitation

PEORIA (Heart of Illinois ABC) – A local gym is leading a global initiative, becoming a testing ground for a disinfecting robot.

Peoria-based Pringle robotics manufactures machines to help with a variety of tasks, like delivery and service at restaurants. Now, they’re working to find an easy solution for businesses to keep clean during the pandemic. They started with schools like Hickory Grove, later moving to local hotels like Par-A-Dice casino in East Peoria to test their efforts.

Now, Styles Studios Fitness is the first fitness facility to have its own sanitizing robot, equipped with a ‘dry mist’ dispenser and UV lights. It’s designed to take several laps around the facility during closing hours, getting every surface and corner that might be exposed to the environment. Now, Pringle says many others are already expressing interest in getting their own.

“We are trying to work towards increasing the levels of sanitization,” says Pringle founder Sudheer Sajja. “We don’t want the next virus to actually shut down economies.”

When a staff member at Styles heard about ‘Rosie’ (the name the facility gave to the bot), they knew it was right for the business. Styles sees it as the next step in protecting customers, while making them feel more comfortable as the pandemic continues. Pringle is also installing air quality sensors, a measurement Rosie can take if needed.

“It’s really exciting to be a part of something that is in the pioneering stage, and is growing, and is local,” says Styles owner Carrie Kepple.

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