Robots designed to clean windows are set to make their world debut on the streets of New York, revolutionizing the way we keep our glass surfaces sparkling. The innovative machines, capable of reaching dizzying heights and traversing complex structures, will take the place of human window cleaners in a first-of-its-kind deployment.

In a groundbreaking move, a 45-story office skyscraper in New York has become the world’s first building to utilize the Ozmo automated window cleaning system, where a suspended platform situated on the rooftop houses robots capable of spraying glass three times faster than traditional human crews.

The Ozmo setup effectively installs two Kuka robotic arms on a purification platform suspended from the ceiling of a tower, each equipped with a brush head and water supply.

Sensors embedded within the play area empower the cleansing bot to assess the fragility of a windowpane, applying tailored pressure for a eco-friendly cleaning experience. While the window-cleaning bot leverages LiDAR sensors to navigate and pinpoint its location with precision, cutting-edge artificial intelligence algorithms ensure seamless operation, even amidst unpredictable wind conditions.

Currently, Ozmo’s workforce is overseen by a PC operator stationed on the rooftop, ensuring human employees still have a role to play in the process, albeit with a future goal of achieving complete autonomous control. This innovative approach won’t solely address the pressing issue of a “growing labour shortage in the window cleaning industry,” but also help prevent individuals from putting themselves at risk.

Skyline Robotics

With over several years of growth and testing under its belt, Skyline Robotics is poised to launch a global rollout with its system deployment on the iconic 1133 Avenue of the Americas building in New York City, marking a significant milestone in partnership with the Durst Group’s ownership and management of the property.

Several metropolitan areas along the Thames in London are set to feature a new initiative by Skyline, partnering with Precept Cleaning Services for its future deployment within the UK capital. Patent protections have been extended to Japan and Singapore, paving the way for more widespread deployments.

As Skyline’s CEO, Michael Brown highlighted the company’s transformative impact alongside partners Palladium Window Options and The Durst Group, revolutionizing Manhattan’s skyline through their unparalleled expertise. As pioneers in façade maintenance, we’re revolutionizing the industry by seamlessly integrating Ozmo technology with human expertise to ensure the timely and safe preservation of building integrity.

Watch as the Durst Group showcases Ozmo’s impressive features in action at its location on 1133 Avenue of the Americas.

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