Alimak Group Partners with Skyline Robotics to Revolutionize Building Maintenance with Automation
Partnership Overview: A New Era for Building Maintenance
Alimak Group has joined forces with Skyline Robotics to develop an automated building maintenance unit (BMU), marking a significant milestone in the integration of robotics into the construction and building management industries. Alimak also made an undisclosed strategic investment in Skyline Robotics, signaling its commitment to advancing automation solutions. 
Skyline Robotics has identified the global construction industry, valued at $12.74 trillion, as a prime sector for automation. By automating key aspects of high-rise building maintenance, particularly for Class A buildings, Skyline believes it can enhance operational efficiency while contributing to more sustainable building management practices.
Introducing Ozmo: The Flagship Product
Skyline Robotics’ flagship product, Ozmo, is an advanced robotic system designed for high-rise window cleaning. Founded in 2017, the company has focused on automating work at heights, starting with window cleaning. As a result, Ozmo improves safety by keeping workers away from potentially dangerous tasks. Additionally, it enhances the consistency and quality of cleaning, while also creating new jobs within the industry.
In 2023, Ozmo earned Skyline Robotics the prestigious RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award from The Robot Report, further recognizing its contributions to the automation space.
Alimak Group’s Role in the Joint Venture
Alimak Group, with its global expertise in vertical access solutions, will integrate Ozmo into its portfolio, thereby providing autonomous window-cleaning capabilities for building maintenance. This collaboration aims to address growing challenges in the industry, such as labor shortages, complex building designs, and stringent environmental and regulatory standards.
With operations in more than 120 countries, Alimak Group specializes in vertical access technologies. The company develops and services elevators, hoists, lifts, and BMUs worldwide, offering solutions that enhance safety, productivity, and cost efficiency.
Philippe Gastineau, Senior Executive Vice President at Alimak Group, stated, “This partnership represents the next step in the evolution of BMU technology, making them smarter and more integral to modern asset management. By automating BMUs, we are not only redefining building maintenance but also supporting architects and developers in creating innovative, sustainable structures.”
The Future of Facade Access
In August 2024, Skyline Robotics and Palladium Window Solutions deployed Ozmo on a 45-story building in New York, owned by The Durst Organization. This deployment showcases the full potential of Skyline’s system, which incorporates artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision, powered by a KUKA robotic arm. The system underwent rigorous testing and complies with all relevant regulatory requirements.
Michael Brown, CEO of Skyline Robotics, commented, “We are leading a new era of automated facade access. Our exclusive partnership with Alimak Group furthers our vision of transforming the industry. Through this collaboration, we aim to revolutionize building maintenance with the largest global provider of sustainable vertical access solutions.”
Conclusion
This strategic partnership between Alimak Group and Skyline Robotics represents a major leap forward in the use of robotics to automate high-rise building maintenance. Together, they aim to not only drive innovation but also improve efficiency and meet the growing demand for sustainable, automated solutions in the construction and building management sectors. As a result, this collaboration paves the way for the future of building maintenance.
