TIDY: A Brief History of Automating Cleaning & Maintenance

TIDY was founded at the end of 2013 with the vision of transforming the trillion-dollar cleaning and maintenance industry through software and hardware innovation. Despite the industry's immense size and importance, software and hardware played practically no role in 2013. TIDY saw an opportunity to address the significant challenges faced by consumers, businesses, and property managers in ensuring efficient and effective cleaning and maintenance.

Phase 1: Software and Prediction AI (2013-2022)

In its initial years, TIDY focused on developing lightweight, user-friendly software solutions to track vendor history and streamline facility management. Unlike traditional enterprise-oriented software, TIDY aimed to create an intuitive and accessible platform for residential properties and rental property managers.

TIDY also recognized the probabilistic nature of the industry and built predictive models to estimate the likelihood of job completion, vendor reliability, and optimal scheduling based on ecosystem data. This combination of software and probabilistic AI occupied TIDY for its first eight years, with ongoing refinements and feature additions planned for the next few years.

Phase 2: Leveraging Large Language Models (2022 onwards)

The introduction of OpenAI's GPT-3.5 large language model (LLM) in late 2022 marked a significant shift in TIDY's approach. LLMs enable the automation of more complex tasks by understanding and generating contextual text. TIDY sees immense potential in integrating LLMs with its existing CRM and structured data to enhance workflows and customer interactions.

LLMs can handle fuzzy inputs from the real world, update statuses, and provide personalized enterprise-like workflows tailored to each user's unique requirements. By capturing user preferences and configurations through natural language, LLMs eliminate the need for extensive software setup and customization, making advanced features accessible to a broader user base.

Phase 3: The Future of Robotics (2030 onwards)

Looking ahead, TIDY anticipates the integration of robotics to achieve near-complete automation of cleaning and maintenance by around 2030. The company envisions a human-robot hybrid model, where robots excel at routine tasks while humans handle edge cases and supervision.

TIDY's expertise in coordinating humans, software, and AI will remain relevant in this robotics-driven future. The company aims to be a key player in managing the increasingly complex ecosystem of humans, robots, and remote teleoperators.

The adoption of robotics is expected to drive consolidation in the cleaning and maintenance industry. Companies with the capital to invest in robots and enhance their technicians' efficiency will likely outcompete those with lower CapEx. TIDY sees itself as a central platform for managing these operations, partnering with multiple providers to cover the full spectrum of services.

## Conclusion
TIDY's journey from its inception in 2013 to its vision for 2030 and beyond showcases the transformative potential of software, AI, and robotics in the cleaning and maintenance industry. By continually innovating and adapting to emerging technologies, TIDY aims to revolutionize how cleaning and maintenance are managed, ultimately benefiting consumers, businesses, and property managers alike.

‍