#248 – Ross Blum | Skyline Robotics - Automated Skyscraper Window Cleaning, Facade Management & More

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

For more than a century, window cleaning for skyscrapers has been a dangerous, labor-intensive job. Skyline Robotics is changing that.

In this episode of Building Better, Ross Blum, President and COO of Skyline Robotics, discusses how their flagship robotic system, Ozmo, is transforming facade maintenance through automation. Ozmo cleans windows three times faster than traditional methods, reduces risk for human workers, and creates new opportunities in the industry.

The conversation explores the challenges of implementing robotics in an established industry, how trust is built with stakeholders, and the role of human labor in automation. Ross also shares insights into privacy concerns, cost drivers, and the technical complexities of working with outdoor robotics.

About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.

About Skyline Robotics:Skyline Robotics is a deep tech robotics and automation company bringing robotics to facade maintenance. Its flagship product, Ozmo, is the world’s first high-rise window cleaning robot, offering a safer, faster, and more effective alternative to human window washers. With artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning, Ozmo is disrupting the $40B window cleaning industry. While Ozmo automates the physical task, human operators remain an integral part of the process, overseeing operations and ensuring efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

• Skyline Robotics is revolutionizing window cleaning through automation.

• The company’s mission is to own the facade, extending beyond just cleaning.

• Automation presents major opportunities in outdoor environments.

• Trust-building is critical for successful implementation of robotics.

• Privacy concerns must be addressed when using data collection technologies.

• The cost of window cleaning is influenced by labor, weather, and regulations.

• Human labor still plays a role in the automation process.

• Transparency and humility are key in building client relationships.

• Technical challenges include adapting to various building designs and conditions.

• Data analysis can enhance building maintenance and efficiency.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Skyline Robotics

• 05:52 The Importance of Facade Maintenance

• 08:47 Cost Drivers in Window Cleaning

• 11:34 Automation and Labor Dynamics

• 14:58 Privacy Concerns and Data Management

• 17:49 Facade Management Opportunities

• 20:44 Technical Challenges in Robotic Cleaning

• 23:41 Building Trust in Automation

• 26:48 The Journey of Innovation

• 29:54 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• 46:17 The Complexity of Window Cleaning Automation

• 48:40 Building Trust in Automation Industries

About the Guest:Ross Blum is the President and COO of Skyline Robotics, leading operations across Israel and the USA. With a background in business operations and strategy, Ross previously served as COO of Quidd and CAO of pingmd, leading both companies through successful acquisitions. He holds a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, an M.S. from Georgetown University in Sports Management, and a B.S. in Business Management from Babson College.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Skyline Robotics: Skyline Robotics LinkedIn

• Connect with Ross Blum: Ross Blum LinkedIn

• Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/rossblum

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