High-rise window cleaning has long been one of the world’s most dangerous jobs. Suspended hundreds of feet in the air, workers face unpredictable weather, physical strain, and significant safety risks. Michael Brown, CEO and Chairman of Skyline Robotics, is on a mission to change that. By combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and deep industry partnerships, Skyline is pioneering a safer, faster, and smarter future for skyscraper maintenance.

From Office Supplies to Robotics

Brown’s journey into robotics was anything but typical. Having built and sold companies in the office supply distribution sector, he signed a lengthy non-compete after his second sale to Staples. That opened the door to a new challenge. Initially exploring automation for assisted living facilities, his inspiration struck during a drive through New York City when he noticed window washers dangling from the sides of glass towers. The idea of humans still cleaning skyscrapers by hand seemed outdated—and dangerous.

After scouring the globe for potential solutions, Brown discovered Skyline Robotics, which had early prototypes addressing the problem. He joined the company, reorganized the team, and set out to take the technology to commercial scale.

Transforming an Industry in Decline

The timing was critical. In New York alone, unionized window cleaners have seen their numbers shrink from 1,500 a decade ago to just 500 today, even as demand for tall buildings continues to rise. Many of these workers are over 40, raising concerns about future labor shortages.

Skyline Robotics’ answer is Ozmo, its flagship robot designed to replace people inside the cleaning baskets with robotic arms while keeping trained operators safely on the rooftop. Far from eliminating jobs, the system re-trains workers as robot operators, offering higher pay while reducing exposure to life-threatening risks.

How Ozmo Works

Ozmo operates like a self-driving car suspended on a skyscraper. Using LIDAR and advanced AI, it scans building facades and calculates the optimal path for robotic arms, adjusting in real time — up to 250 times per second. Unlike industrial robots that function in controlled environments, Ozmo thrives in complex, unpredictable conditions such as wind, water pressure, and communication noise in dense urban areas.

Two robotic arms work in tandem, scanning and cleaning simultaneously while sharing power and water. The system can cover about 4,500 square feet per hour, nearly double the output of humans, with consistent performance that never tires. In practice, Skyline has already cut cleaning cycles dramatically, shrinking a 22-day human operation to just four days in recent trials.

Beyond Clean Windows

What began as a safety solution has evolved into something much bigger. Ozmo’s sensors and data capabilities allow Skyline to create digital twins of buildings, identifying cracks, sealant erosion, and other maintenance issues before they become costly problems. This predictive maintenance not only extends building lifespans but also contributes to sustainability by reducing energy loss from faulty seals and water infiltration.

By integrating with existing building systems, Skyline positions itself as both a cleaning service and a data-driven infrastructure partner. Drones have attempted similar roles, but Skyline’s system outperforms them in both reach and environmental safety.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion

The company’s vision has gained traction with some of the largest players in the field. In 2025, Skyline entered a major partnership with Alimak Group, the world’s leading provider of facade access solutions. With operations in 120 countries and control of a large portion of the global market, Alimak brings massive reach and expertise. Together, the companies plan to embed robots directly into new construction projects, enabling 24/7 autonomous cleaning and continuous facade monitoring from day one.

This alliance has already expanded Skyline’s pipeline from a dozen projects to more than 350, setting the stage for rapid global deployment.

Toward a Safer, Smarter Skyline

Brown envisions Skyline Robotics becoming synonymous with automated skyscraper maintenance—the “Kleenex” of robotic window cleaning. With urbanization accelerating and environmental standards tightening worldwide, the need for efficient, safe, and sustainable facade solutions is only growing.

By blending robotics, AI, and industry collaboration, Skyline Robotics is doing more than cleaning glass. It is reshaping how cities maintain their most iconic structures while setting new standards for safety, efficiency, and data-driven building management.

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