Alimak Group, Skyline Robotics create autonomous building maintenance unit

Ozmo, Skyline Robotics’ flagship robot, uses force sensors to calculate how much pressure it can use when cleaning windows. | Source: Skyline Robotics

Alimak Group and Skyline Robotics are creating an automated building maintenance unit (BMU). Alimak Group also made an undisclosed, strategic investment in Skyline Robotics.

According to Skyline Robotics, the global construction industry is valued at $12.74 trillion. It said that automating the industry, especially for class A building construction, will not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainable building management.

Skyline Robotics’ flagship product, Ozmo, is a high-rise window-cleaning robot. Founded in 2017, the company said Ozmo keeps people out of harm’s way, improves the consistency and quality of window cleaning, and even creates new jobs. The company‘s goal is to automate all types of work at heights, starting with window cleaning. In 2023, Ozmo earned the company an RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award from The Robot Report.

Alimak will integrate Skyline Robotics Ozmo to provide autonomous window cleaning to maintain assets while complying with extremely punitive environmental, social, and governance regulations. Combining Alimak Group’s global expertise in vertical access solutions and Skyline’s robotics expertise, the companies believe the joint venture can help building maintenance crews handle increasingly complex design challenges, labor shortages, and best practices.

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With a presence in more than 120 countries, Alimak Group develops, manufactures, sells, and services vertical access and working at height solutions. It has a focus on adding customer value through enhanced safety, higher productivity, and improved cost efficiency. The group has a large installed base of elevators, service lifts, temporary and permanent hoists and platforms, and building maintenance units around the world. 

“This partnership represents the next step in the evolution of BMU technology, making them smarter and more integral to modern asset management,” said Philippe Gastineau, senior executive vice president of the Façade Access Division and the Height Safety & Productivity Solutions Division at Alimak Group. “By automating BMUs, we are redefining how buildings are maintained while supporting architects and developers in creating innovative, sustainable structures.”

In August 2024, Skyline Robotics and Palladium Window Solutions deployed Ozmo at a 45-story New York building owned and managed by The Durst Organization. Skyline’s system includes artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and a KUKA robot arm. Ozmo went through rigorous testing and meets regulatory requirements, the noted.

“We are leading a new era of automated facade access. Our exclusive partnership with Alimak Group further extends our vision to own the facade. We have seen the impact of automation in existing infrastructure such as our window cleaning robot Ozmo and now look to further transform the industry with the largest global provider of sustainable vertical access solutions,” Michael Brown, the CEO of Skyline Robotics, said.

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