Automated Robot Cleaning Of Windows

[Window Cleaning Robot]
This project has been continuing since 1989 and is aimed at the development of a robot to clean windows. The robot itself is a four axis system, 3 linear and one rotary axis and about 3.5 metres long by 1.8 metres high. It is controlled from an industrial PC with a PMAC motion controller card.

The robot is able to feel and detect the edges of each window so that it can accurately locate and clean it using a specially designed datuming head. The cleaning action is completely self contained (therefore no drips) and based on a conventional squeegee blade.

[Gantry System]
The images above show (i) the robot cleaning windows on the side of a test building and (ii) the robot and its associated gantry (rooftop view on the test building).

At present, the robot cleaning system has been constructed and tested at the Building Research Establishment in Cardington, Nr Bedford. It has been patented world wide.

The project has been carried out with financial support from the OCS Group Ltd, U.K

Links to our other pages
The Robotics Group

Any comments please contact: c.r.allen@ncl.ac.uk


Last Revision 21st November 1997