T
he debut of a robotic-armed window-cleaning robot named Ozmo has been announced by Skyline Robotics, Palladium Window Solutions, and the Durst Organization. Ozmo is designed to clean windows three times faster than human window washers, thanks to its artificial intelligence, machine learning capabilities, and computer vision features. Despite its impressive capabilities, human window washers' jobs do not appear to be at risk as Ozmo's clientele is currently limited to a single 45-story Midtown skyscraper. However, if Ozmo takes over Durst's entire portfolio, labor shortages in the field may lead to increased demand for human window washers.

    Ozmo requires a human operator who oversees its operation from a rooftop computer. The technology has received mixed reactions, with labor union 32BJ SEIU expressing hostility towards it. The union's director, Denis Johnston, emphasized that skilled and well-trained window cleaners possess knowledge and experience that machines cannot replicate. However, in a later statement, Johnston mentioned that the union is working with Durst to ensure its members are well-trained and equipped to handle the implementation of this new technology.

    Skyline Robotics has a distribution deal with Platinum Inc., a construction services firm that serves more than half of New York's Class A office spaces. Durst Ventures, the venture capital arm of Douglas Durst's development company, invested in Skyline with the intention of deploying its products across Durst's New York portfolio, including One World Trade Center.

    Before Durst's investment, Skyline had raised $9.5 million, including a $6.5 million seed round. Late last year, the company closed a $9.8 million pre-Series A-2 funding round, elevating its fundraising total to $19.8 million.

    In summary, Ozmo is a robotic-armed window-cleaning robot designed to clean windows three times faster than human window washers. While its capabilities are impressive, its clientele is currently limited, and human window washers' jobs do not appear to be at risk. However, if Ozmo takes over Durst's entire portfolio, labor shortages in the field may lead to increased demand for human window washers. The technology has received mixed reactions, with labor union 32BJ SEIU expressing hostility towards it.