Robot window cleaners to take over Dubai

Serbot systems combine all the cleaning kit into one robotic unit.

Robotic cleaning systems for windows and façades on high-rise buildings have been launched in Dubai by Swiss company Serbot AG.

“We are bringing this new technology to the UAE, where we have seen a lot of potential, especially with all the skyscrapers and the various architectural designs, which are very hard to clean using conventional methods,” said Serbot business development manager Bas Schmit Phiferons.

Gekko and CleanAnt from Serbot are cleaning robots for high-rise buildings combining robotic engineering, cleaning engineering and a fall arrestor system and media supply in one complete system. The robots can be used on the widest variety of façade types, and do not require any devices such as guide rails.

They are also able to work at wind speeds that would prohibit manual cleaning for safety reasons. Their excellent cleaning performance, constant availability and minimal operating costs make these an ideal façade cleaning system, noted Schmit Phiferons.

Gekko, a disk-shaped robot, has a cleaning capacity of up to 400 square metres an hour, which is fifteen times faster than manual cleaning. It uses vacuum power to attach itself to the surface to be cleaned, whether vertical, horizontal or slanted. The robot then uses a windshield-wiper type of brush to blast away any kind of dirt, be it dust, mud or even oils, such as the residue from combustion engines.

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“No detergent is needed for cleaning, which is an added environmental advantage. The robots can use dry ice, demineralised water or water with enzymes to eat away the oils. They also can filter and recycle the used material to minimise waste,” explained Schmit Phiferons.

CleanAnt is used on buildings with different shapes. “Façade cleaning is difficult, expensive and dangerous. The CleanAnt does this work safe and reliably, whether automatically or radio-guided, while vertical or overhanging areas are not a problem for both robot systems. CleanAnt also overcomes concave and convex areas and obstacles and can work in heavy traffic areas.”