Window cleaning has been thriving for more than a hundred years. The first tool
local window cleaners used was the leather chamois till the modern trade window
cleaning squeegee. It was invented by Ettore Steccone[1], an Italian immigrant in New
York in the early 20th century. The squeegee changed the trade and the life of the
local window cleaners. Many window washers still using the squeegee albeit
nowadays the reach and wash technique is more popular.
Reach and wash system
Purified water is rinsed onto the glass while a microfiber brush cleans the window.
The difference between purified and tap water is that purified water contains only
the basic elements of water, hydrogen and oxygen. The advantage of this system is
the carbon water-fed pole allows the local window cleaners to safely clean your
windows from the ground up to 80ft. The window cleaner leaves the water air dry
and not leave any spots behind.[2]
Robotic window cleaners
One of the most common questions is: Will robots replace people in the cleaning
industry? The cleaning industry is evolving, and manufacturers tend towards making
window cleaning easier, they are producing automatic window cleaners. These
robots usually clean the whole window in & outside using motor-powered suction.
While these products already in the market we still believe that it needs further
development.
Window cleaning drones
Window Cleaning Drone ideaconnection.com
Window cleaning drones can revolutionize high rise window washing.
The technology in use is robotized and controlled remotely. In addition, it is compact
and easily transportable.[3]Cleaning high storey buildings with drones will become
safer. The method is quite similar to the water-fed pole, using special hoses to rinse
purified water into the window. Window cleaning drones will be multi-use drones will
be useful for firefighting, wind turbine and building cleaning.
Skyline robotics
Window Cleaning Robotics by skylinerobotics.com
Skyline robotics aims to automate all types of works at heights.[4] Cleaning a
skyscraper takes about 2-3 months using traditional window cleaning methods and
ropes while this technology is able to clean within a week. While the robots are
always in supervision it has a touch sensor to feel open windows. Ozmo able to
detect and learn all types of architecture while adapting to the changing
environment.
Automation
Digital automation is one of the biggest trends the evolving world is facing. As in all
industry, the cleaning industry also has to face the advantages and disadvantages.
Automating business processes with software can provide employee saving, improve
the quality of service, automate marketing, and reduce management time.[5] In the
global cleaning industry, automated cleaning processes are not new. The industry
invests a lot of energy to remotely monitor robots and machines. While robots
themselves limited in impact connecting to a network or smart applications are. A
good example is the soap dispenser. Supervisors regularly need to check operation
and refill as required. A smart dispenser could send activity to the management to
analyse and information when to refill.
The biggest challenge is balanced automation with human workers. The common
question is how to integrate automation into different roles and how to digital upskill
existing staff.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squeegee
[2] https://www.reedswindowcleaning.co.uk/window-cleaning-services/
[3] https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerones/about/
[4] https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5cc7f30c669af21e984dae76/5d19c2956ad3cba35d26ca29_Skyline%20Robotics%20Brochure%202019.pdf
[5] Academy Getjobber: 7 Business Trends for residential Cleaners in 201