Move over manual methods, the fearless robots are here to do some serious window cleaning business! – By Roma Arora

Skyscrapers across the GCC are experiencing something unconventional, efficient, costeffective and time saving. It is hardly shocking to see robots climbing steadily up skyscrapers cleaning the windows, now. These tough machines are creating buzz in the market and giving other traditional methods of cleaning some serious competition. Today, robotic windowcleaning solutions are being considered the latest state-of-the-art technology in the Middle East. With this region having its own share of challenges - from health and safety issues, regular sandstorms, high wind speed to extremely high temperatures in summers, these all-proof robots are blessings in disguise. The leading market experts tell us more about this technology and how robots are changing the face of window cleaning…

Serbot AG

Swiss company Serbot AG is known for its automated cleaning systems for façade cleaning. Mohammad Ahsan Farooqui, Business Development Manager, Bin Twar Robotics LLC., who represents Serbot AG in the Middle East, talks about the growing demand of this advanced technology. “Robotics are the most feasible and cost-effective solutions for clients and contractors with many more advantages to perform a high-end façade cleaning job more frequently. The latest addition in Middle East market is the fully-automated façade cleaning robotic solution from Serbot. These machines have so many advantages over the traditional methods.

For instance, as per EN Standard 1808, if the wind speed is more than 8.3 m/sec a BMU (building maintenance unit) cradle or a spiderman is not allowed to work, while our systems can work at up to 24 m/sec of wind speed.”

Similarly, Farooqui adds, in the summer, between June to September, workers are not allowed to work in the afternoon heat as per the labour law in the Middle East due to extreme high temperatures. The Serbot system can work at up to 650 C without any problem as it can be operated with a remote control with up to a 500 m safe range. Moreover, it uses just 0.1 liter per sq m. Speed is something worth mentioning here – Farooqui claims that the machine can clean a 400 sq. m. façade per hour;

other conventional methods done manually take at least a day. No human being is involved in the robotic solution; sensors and inbuilt high-resolution cameras allow efficient monitoring of the façade surface in a remote screen. Gekkos are world-renowned robotic solutions from Serbot AG. Middle Eastern skyscrapers are known for their tricky shapes, Gekko façade is the first commercially available cleaning robot that can move in all directions on inclined, vertical, or even overhanging surfaces. It can clean any kind of surface, be it glass, aluminum, composite panel or plain marble, guaranteeing high-quality cleaning thanks to a rotation brush in combination with demineralized water.

On the other hand, when it comes to solar panels, which is quite a rage in the GCC region, Gekko Solar is a successful option. It was developed specifically for mobile deployment onto roof-mounted installations or smaller free-field plants resulting in increased job safety since risky roof access is no longer necessary.

Extremely important is the machines’ easy control over radio control using a joystick. “We designed our system as per the weather conditions of the Middle East after two years of long study. Now, we are doing very well since the past two years in Qatar for solar panel cleaning and very soon we will mobilise our first Gekko façade unit at the highest tower in Doha, Qatar,” adds Farooqui.

The key benefits of these machines are that they are unaffected by the weather conditions, less manpower is required, ensures safe working methodology and absolutely green technology (vacuuming and water recyclable system). Some of Serbot’s prestigious clients include Qatar Foundation and Musheireb Properties solar projects and Kempinski Hotels for façade project respectively.

VIU Global

A global frontrunner in vertical cleaning, VIU Global is all set to spread its wings in the Middle East region. They are currently in negotiations with local investors in the Gulf region to set up a partner company and bring their advanced technology through an affordable service-based leasing programme. They are at a stage of negotiating their abilities to clean prestigious buildings in Abu Dhabi and other parts of the Middle East.

Stephan Kienle, President, VIU Global, says, “VIU’s patented cleaning process adds superior value due to the fact that our system not only cleans the exterior glass windows, but also the façade surface and mullions that are present on the exterior surface. While some buildings incorporate unique design elements that can present a challenge, our machines are able to overcome many of the challenges that are too difficult to address via manual cleaning methods.”

The company is also committed to the environment, using the science of ultra-pure, deionized water to ensure a streak-free finish without the use of any harsh chemicals or soaps. VIU’s patented cleaning technology is many times faster than manual cleaning due to its ability to clean windows and facades simultaneously. It can also remove the dust from a building after a sandstorm just as fast. Kienle further shares, “Because the system is so much faster than traditional manual cleaning methods; a two-person VIU crew can clean more square meters per hour than any manual two-person crew. This system is safer and eliminates the need to have workers hanging dangerously on the side of buildings.”

Bluray Technical Services LLC

Known for their technical expertise in the region, Bluray Tec has successfully delivered many projects using automated cleaning solutions in the GCC. Farooq Mohammed, CEO, talks about the challenges in cleaning unusual shaped buildings, “It is obvious that the Gulf Region is focused on building massive infrastructure in the next decade or so, and several projects in UAE, KSA and Qatar are in the mid-stage targeting its completion before Expo 2020 in Dubai and FIFA 2022 in Qatar; simultaneously a couple of hotels and towers projects are going on in KSA. With such huge projects, comes the responsibility of cleaning as well. There have been challenges faced with built properties due to their shape and lack of capability to operate our automated cleaning system, but as there is always a way when there is a will, we have overcome those technical requirements to ensure that we cover all kinds of built properties. We have successfully designed cradle frames to install the automated system with existing cradle system to clean the area covered by cradle. We have an engineering team to design further tracks in case of the need to cover unreachable areas.”

The automated façade technique they are using reduces 100 per cent risk of manpower involved. It needs 100 per cent attention to ensure that its risk assessment and method statement is always prepared as per the building specifications after a thorough survey. “This careful assessment and survey takes care of safety, quality, mobilisation, installation and operation till the project delivery. The system is 100 per cent chemical free with promising spotless results on the glass; it has 03 filtration stages that gives you pure H2O as a result. We have completed several projects using this technology and a couple of them are for Dubai Properties like Al Khail Gate and Nuzul Accommodation,” adds Mohammed.

DTZ, Saudi Arabia

While automated cleaning systems are definitely making a mark in terms of their technological advancement and other superlative features, one of the most important aspects of high-level cleaning is the material. Throwing some light on this aspect is Michael Moore, Operations Director, DTZ, Saudi Arabia. Moore supports and explains why ‘self cleaning glass’ is an important approach to be considered. “In our role as FM consultants, we need to offer the most appropriate solution for the project in hand, as part of this we need to constantly review the options available. We are looking at technology-based solutions such as selfcleaning glass. Self-cleaning glass does not involve any form of machine intervention - the solution is in the glass itself.”

In simple terms, the glass has a special coating, which reacts with UV and the chemical reaction breaks down organic dirt and allows it to ‘slide off’ the glass. Moore adds, “The issue to date in the Middle East has been the lack of moisture in the form of rain which will ‘wash off’ the dirt.

This is where our proposal for Kingdom tower, Jeddah becomes interesting. We are suggesting the condense from the AC is harvested and used to ‘irrigate’ the glass thus allowing the cleaning of building for 24 hours a day. The combination of the distilled nature of the condense water and the special chemical reaction ensures a clean, streak free finish.”

In terms of the specific benefits of the ‘selfcleaning glass’ approach, top of the list has to be a vast reduction in the reliance upon and use of BMUs for maintenance activities. Statistically speaking its obvious the less you use them, the less chance there is of a tragic accident. “This in turn leads to substantial whole life cost savings, great sustainability performance (which in turn helps to achieve LEED accreditation) and also a much better looking building as it is constantly being cleaned rather than the typical schedule,” signs off Moore.