- tech360.tv
AI-Powered Robots to Clean Hong Kong Skyscrapers
Updated: Jan 5
Israeli start-up Verobotics aims to revolutionise building maintenance with AI-powered robots in Hong Kong's high-rise landscape.
Israeli start-up Verobotics is set to introduce its autonomous robots for inspecting and cleaning Hong Kong's skyscrapers in the coming months. With the city's growing interest in property technology solutions, Verobotics' lightweight robots, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), offer a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional workers. The robots can work around the clock, cleaning buildings up to 10 times faster. This development aligns perfectly with Hong Kong's 9,000 high-rise buildings, making it an ideal solution.
According to Verobotics' co-founder and CEO, Ido Genosar, the company plans to have more than 50 robots deployed by the end of next year and aims to double that number by 2025. In addition, Verobotics plans to establish a Hong Kong office by the end of this year.
During a local reception for the 75th Independence Day of the State of Israel, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu expressed his support for Verobotics' business potential in the city. Lee acknowledged the importance of innovative robotics projects in Hong Kong, given its reputation for high-rise buildings.
Verobotics' cleaning robots, weighing only nine kilograms, navigate building surfaces using two robotic legs, suction cups and a safety wire. These robots showcase the potential of property technology (proptech) to modernise Hong Kong's property sector by enhancing customer experience, reducing pollution, saving energy and improving safety.
Ido Genosar emphasised the advantages of investing in Hong Kong due to the density of buildings that could benefit from Verobotics' solution. The company sees Hong Kong as a gateway to Asia and has partnered with local robotics solutions company Robocore Technology for operational support and distribution.
Verobotics originated from Ido Genosar's experience in Israel's facade construction industry, where he observed the limitations of traditional methods such as building management units (BMUs). Collaborating with co-founder Itay Levitan, Verobotics replaced the BMU with an autonomous system consisting of a roof unit, climbing robot, and cleaning device. This system can be deployed quickly, with up to six robots cleaning a building's facade simultaneously.
Verobotics' cleaning apparatus utilises a dry brush instead of liquids or chemicals. As the robot scales the building, onboard cameras scan the surface, creating a 3D model that can identify structural issues, heat or cooling loss, and more.
Verobotics has gained support from Sino Group, a prominent property developer in Hong Kong, as part of the PropXTech accelerator program. Sino Group has already tested Verobotics' robots on four of its buildings and plans to be the first to deploy them commercially.
While the current model is designed for glass and aluminium facades, Verobotics aims to expand its product range for other building types. Before launching in Hong Kong, the company and its partner, Robocore, will undergo safety clearance and obtain permits from local authorities.
By introducing AI-powered robot cleaners, Verobotics aims to mitigate the risks associated with traditional window cleaning and building maintenance methods, which have proven hazardous in the past. This innovation seeks to ensure safer and more efficient practices in Hong Kong's construction industry.
Israeli start-up Verobotics plans to deploy autonomous robots for cleaning Hong Kong skyscrapers.
The lightweight robots, powered by AI, are up to 10 times faster than traditional workers.
Verobotics aims to have over 50 robots deployed by the end of next year and double that number by 2025.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu acknowledges the business potential of Verobotics' robots.