Skyline Robotics Raises $6.5M To Automate High-Rise Window Washing

Israeli deep tech robotics company Skyline Robotics, announced on Thursday the completion of a $6.5 million funding round ahead of the first customer deployment of its premier window-cleaning robotic system Ozmo, in New York City.

The funding round was led by investment firm Skyline Standard Holdings and joined by notable contributions from Karcher New Venture GmbH, and Gefen Capital, bringing the company’s total funding to $9 million.

Skyline also promoted its chief operating officer, Ross Blum, to President but he will serve a dual role as the company’s COO. 

“The window-cleaning industry has remained unchanged as buildings have gotten taller and the risks to human lives have increased significantly,” Blum said. “We’re offering a breakthrough solution that will save lives, improve efficiency and create 21st century jobs.”

Skyline Robotics’ new capital will be used to further fund its product development to maximize Ozmo’s building facade operations and capabilities as well as grow its New York City-based team and business network.  

“Ozmo has arrived to play a vital role in the future of window cleaning,” said Michael Brown, CEO & chairman of Skyline Robotics. “This successful funding round and first Ozmo deployment shows that the demand for our product and services are not just tangible and felt by investors, but that there’s a major business opportunity ahead of Skyline. The conviction of our team is being matched by the investment community.”

Founded in 2017, Skyline Robotics aims to disrupt the $40 billion window-cleaning industry by employing robotics for the sake of improving safety and efficiency. But instead of replacing human window washing jobs altogether, the company’s business model enables workers to control the Ozmo system at a safe distance, eliminating the risk of fatal accidents. 

Skyline’s technology uses lidar (light detection and ranging), force sensors, and advanced algorithms to clean high-rise windows with precision while constantly calculating optimal cleaning paths based on troublesome weather conditions and the particular building’s architecture.  

“Skyline’s ability to transform an industry with robots while still creating jobs is a model that other robotics companies should replicate,” said Patrick Nennewitz of Kärcher New Ventures GmbH. “With buildings getting taller and the workforce shrinking, Skyline’s arrival is as timely as it is necessary.”