The Changing Face of Building Access: From Rope to Robotics

The façade access industry has always been defined by innovation. From the earliest rope-and-pulley systems to the sophisticated Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) used today, the sector has continually evolved to meet the dual demands of safety and efficiency. In the past, façade maintenance relied almost exclusively on manual labour – skilled operatives physically traversing a building’s exterior to clean, inspect and repair. While this craftsmanship remains essential, modern technology is reshaping how these tasks are approached.

Today, change is accelerating. Building owners, managers and duty holders are under increasing pressure to ensure worker safety, reduce operational downtime and deliver cost-effective maintenance. This, coupled with the architectural trend for taller, more complex façades, has prompted the industry to explore new methods of access and cleaning – methods that reduce risk while maintaining high standards of care.

One of the newer developments is the integration of drones, capable of quickly surveying a building’s exterior with precision imaging, and robotic cleaning systems that automate repetitive, hazardous tasks. This technology not only improves safety but also offers building managers a wealth of condition data, helping them plan proactive maintenance strategies.

A recent example is Skyline Robotics’ OZMO, an advanced façade cleaning robot that works seamlessly with both new and existing BMUs. Developed in partnership with Alimak Group, OZMO combines AI-driven intelligence with real-time adaptability, cleaning with consistent quality while gathering detailed surface data. Its ability to operate without placing operatives at height for routine cleaning marks a significant leap forward in both safety and efficiency. It is also worth emphasising the other benefits of the Skyline system:

• Hyperspectral camera
  When the cradle is in use for cleaning, the system continuously analyses the condition of the façade (e.g. silicone seals) and provides this data in real time, via a 3D model, to the building owner. This enables the owner to verify that the façade has been installed, maintained, and is ageing appropriately.
• Reduced building operational costs
  By offering multiple value streams, the Skyline system can reduce the need for certain service providers (e.g. window cleaners, specific façade inspections).
• Reduced insurance premiums
  Minimising the number of hours humans spend on the façade improves safety, which can lower insurance costs.
• 24/7 operation
  The Skyline system does not require daylight, enabling building owners to maintain the façade at any time of day.

These innovations don’t signal the end of human involvement – far from it. Skilled professionals remain essential for complex inspections, repairs, and decision-making. Instead, automation frees them from repetitive, high-risk tasks, allowing their expertise to be applied where it matters most.

The future of façade access will likely be a blend of human skill and advanced technology: BMUs equipped with robotic cleaners, drones conducting rapid visual surveys and data-driven maintenance strategies that keep assets performing at their best. For SAEMA and its members, embracing these innovations isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about setting new standards in safety, quality, and sustainability.