Labor remains the largest expense for most building service contractors. At the same time, clients are demanding more accountability, better reporting, and measurable outcomes. Could technologies like AI, robotics, and smart buildings help solve both challenges?
According to entrepreneur and future-focused innovation expert Peter Diamandis, the next decade will belong to building service contractors that embrace technology as a tool for delivering measurable outcomes, not just labor.
Diamandis, founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, will discuss these trends during his keynote presentation at Contracting Success 2026 (CS26) and the WFBSC Global Executive Congress, Nov. 17-19 in Las Vegas.
Ahead of the event, he shared several insights on the technologies and mindset shifts shaping the future of cleaning.
How AI and Robotics Could Help Solve Labor Challenges
According to Diamandis, the strongest indicator that an industry is ready for innovation is when economic pressure and technological readiness converge.
In contract cleaning, labor remains the largest operational expense while customers increasingly want measurable, verifiable outcomes. Meanwhile, technologies such as autonomous floor equipment, computer vision, AI, and sensors have become more practical and affordable than ever before.
“The companies that win the next decade won't be the ones with the most labor," Diamandis says. “They'll be the ones that turn cleaning into a data, robotics and AI business.”
The Biggest Opportunity Isn't Cost Savings
While automation may reduce costs, Diamandis believes the bigger opportunity is differentiation.
He points to three major benefits for BSCs:
- Improved margins through robotics and AI-assisted scheduling.
- Data-driven services such as verified hygiene, air quality reporting, and predictive maintenance.
- Better recruiting and retention through technology that supports workers rather than replaces them.
As buildings become more connected, contractors may be able to expand beyond cleaning into broader facility intelligence and wellness-related services.
Start Small, But Start Now
For contractors wondering where to begin, Diamandis advises against waiting for technology to become perfect.
His recommendation: launch a pilot program now. He also encourages firms to rethink how they position their businesses. “Stop selling hours and start selling verified clean, healthy air and building intelligence," he says.
The Future Is Closer Than You Think
From AI-powered scheduling to autonomous cleaning equipment and building intelligence, the technologies reshaping facility services are moving from concept to reality.
Read the full WFBSC interview with Peter Diamandis for additional insights, then join industry leaders at CS26 and the WFBSC Global Executive Congress, Nov. 17-19 in Las Vegas, to learn what these changes could mean for your business.