Ozmo showed how a pair of robots wash the windows of a skyscraper in New York three times faster than people

A 45-story office building in New York became the first to deploy the Ozmo robotic window cleaning system. Robots were attached to a platform hanging from the roof, washing glass three times faster than people do.

Image source: Skyline Robotics

The Ozmo installation is a pair of Kuka robotic manipulator arms on a platform – cleaning brushes are attached to them, and a water supply is connected. The machines are equipped with force sensors that help determine how fragile the window glass is and apply the appropriate force for effective cleaning. The location of the vehicles is tracked using lidars, and artificial intelligence algorithms ensure the stability of the structure in adverse weather conditions.

Ozmo is controlled by an operator, but in the future it is planned to transfer the installation to a completely autonomous operating mode. This will help “fill the labor shortage among window cleaners” and “keep people out of harm’s way,” notes Skyline Robotics, the company responsible for the project. The robots have been developed and tested for years, but their appearance on an office building in New York marks the beginning of their deployment around the world. Next in line is likely to be London, where Skyline has enlisted the help of Principle Cleaning Services. The necessary documents are also prepared in Japan and Singapore.