Skyline Robotics deploys Ozmo window cleaning robot in New York City

Skyline Robotics, developers of Ozmo, the world’s first window cleaning robot, in conjunction with The Durst Organization and Palladium Window Solutions deployed Ozmo at a New York City skyscraper.

Ozmo will maintain 1133 Avenue of the Americas, a 45-story Class A office tower owned and managed by The Durst Organization in New York City’s Bryant Park neighborhood. The building is now the only skyscraper in the world utilizing an automated window cleaning system.

Ozmo moves above the NYC clouds

Ozmo is U.S. patent approved and its deployment comes after rigorous testing and meeting regulatory requirements. Skyline Robotics says that Ozmo’s arrival ushers in a new era for the $40B window-cleaning industry. According to the company, the robot offers a solution to a global shortage of manual window cleaners that will create new jobs and, when fully autonomous, keep humans out of harm’s way with advanced technology.

Ozmo is outfitted with AI, machine learning and computer vision with advanced robotics and sensors. Skyline Robotics says the robot cleans windows three times faster than traditional window cleaning, is outfitted with technology that ensures it provides consistent, high-quality cleaning—never missing a spot and removes humans from potentially dangerous working environments.

“Together with our partners Palladium Window Solutions and The Durst Organization, Skyline Robotics is changing centuries of tradition and the landscape of Manhattan forever with our advanced technology,” said Michael Brown, CEO, Skyline Robotics. “We’re delivering the future of façade maintenance as Ozmo and human window cleaners work in unison to protect the health of buildings faster and safer than existing solutions.”

Ozmo’s arrival in New York City comes amidst a growing labor shortage of window cleaners. According to a study from online jobs resource Zippia, 75 percent of window cleaners nationally are above the age of 40, while just nine percent are 20-30 years old. Meanwhile, the NYC skyline continues to expand with new and taller buildings being developed.

“We are committed to driving innovation and adopting new technology that works with our field staff toward a collaborative future,” said Jason Dove, president, Palladium Window Solutions. “This New York City rollout using cutting-edge technology showcases that the industry is supporting this technology, which has been approved for usage by the New York State Department of Labor. We look forward to being part of this groundbreaking advancement in human-assisted robotics technology.”

As Ozmo fills the labor shortage void, Skylines says it is also creating new jobs. Ozmo, while autonomous, is still operated by humans using a computer on the rooftop. The end result is humans and robots working together, with humans supervising while robots do the cleaning.

“New York City is world-renowned for its skyscrapers and an exceptionally skilled labor force,” said Nick Durst, senior analyst at The Durst Organization. “The Durst Organization’s investment in Skyline and implementation of Ozmo is driving the future of the window cleaning industry to make the work safer and more efficient, while creating new opportunities for window cleaners.”

The deployment of Ozmo in NYC marks the beginning of a global expansion for Skyline Robotics. Ozmo robots are slated for future deployments in London with partner Principle Cleaning Services.

Additionally, the company has secured key patents from Japan and Singapore as part of its global deployment.