Summerset Shares Their Experience: Partnering with Mode Technology to Build New Zealand’s Largest Robotic Cleaning Fleet
Testimonial – Craig Moore, Improvement Manager, Summerset
My name is Craig Moore, and I am the Improvement Manager here at Summerset.
Identifying the Challenge
Across our villages, we have large lounges and communal spaces that require significant time and effort to clean. Our goal was to maintain the beautiful, high-quality environments our residents and visitors expect, while improving efficiency for our housekeeping teams. We wanted a solution that could enhance consistency, reduce manual handling, and support our staff in delivering exceptional standards every day.
Partnering with Mode Technology
Once we selected Mode Technology as our supplier for robotic cleaners, we began working closely with Jessica and the team. Together, we developed a clear implementation timeline and held briefings with each of our Village Managers to help them understand how robotic cleaners would support their operations.
We explored the impact of introducing robots into resident spaces, including risk management, resident safety, and daily workflow changes. Mode Technology supported us through all aspects of the rollout.
One of the most valuable components has been the companion app associated with each village. It allows us to see how often an area has been cleaned, how thoroughly it’s been completed, and provides the data and analytics to validate the results we’re experiencing.
Throughout the past year, Mode has continued to provide outstanding support. Whether it’s updating maps, conducting proactive maintenance, or calling in when they’re nearby, the ongoing service has exceeded our expectations. Mode also trained our Super Users, who manage the robots day-to-day and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Outcomes and Benefits
The benefits to our housekeeping teams have been significant. They’re no longer having to carry heavy backpack vacuums or perform the repetitive manual handling associated with cleaning large spaces every day. The robots have removed much of that strain.
Equally important was ensuring each village felt ownership over their robots. Our Super Users treat the robots like part of the team, and because of that, the robots genuinely work for them — and for their village.
We’ve seen meaningful improvements in:
Efficiency – large areas cleaned consistently and on schedule
Consistency – predictable, repeatable cleaning that meets our high standards
Resident Experience – cleaner environments with less disruption
Safety & Wellbeing – reduced manual handling for staff, and improved hygiene overall
Final Recommendation
Mode Technology has been an exceptional partner. If you’re considering robotic cleaners, I highly recommend having someone internally who can champion the implementation. With the right support, robotic cleaners can become an invaluable asset, and our experience with Mode has been outstanding