Robotic window washer debuts at Durst tower

Window washers know not to look down. Soon, that might not be an issue.

The robots have arrived.

Today marks the debut of the first robotic-armed, window-cleaning robot, according to Skyline Robotics, Palladium Window Solutions and the Durst Organization. Look up at Durst’s 1133 Sixth Avenue and one might spot Ozmo scrubbing down the skyscraper.

Ozmo’s creators claim it cleans windows three times faster than people do. They say the robot is loaded with artificial intelligence, machine learning capabilities and computer vision to make sure the job is done right every time.

Human window washers’ jobs don’t appear to be at imminent risk. Ozmo’s skyscraper clientele is just the one 45-story Midtown building at this point. Even if it takes over Durst’s entire portfolio, a labor shortage in the field suggests work will, for now, remain abundant for those willing to do it.

Moreover, Ozmo requires a human operator using a rooftop computer.

However, labor union 32BJ SEIU, which represents window washers, was not impressed by Ozmo, issuing a statement that revealed hostility toward the technology.

“This is not the first time the idea of robots has been introduced to replace window cleaners,” said Denis Johnston, director of 32BJ’s New York Metro Commercial Division. “But time has proven that unionized, skilled and well trained window cleaners have knowledge and experience that machines can’t replicate.”

Operator jobs could well go to union workers. Skyline has a distribution deal with Platinum Inc., a construction services firm that claims to serve more than half of the city’s Class A office spaces.

Two years ago, Durst Ventures — the venture capital arm of Douglas Durst’s development company — invested in Skyline with an intention of deploying the technology company’s products across the landlord’s New York portfolio, including One World Trade Center.

Then-Silverstein Properties CEO Marty Burger was on Skyline’s advisory board at the time of Durst’s investment and now sits on Skyline’s board of directors, as does Nicholas Durst. (Burger and Silverstein parted ways in October.)

Prior to the Durst investment, Skyline had raised $9.5 million, including a $6.5 million seed round, according to Crunchbase. Late last year, the company closed a $9.8 million pre-Series A-2 funding round, according to The Robot Report, elevating its fundraising total to $19.8 million.

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Skyline said its U.S.-patented cleaning robot went through rigorous testing and regulatory requirements and emerged with a clean bill of health.

This article has been updated to include a statement from 32BJ SEIU.