WINBOT | Window Washing Robot

As some of you may have surmised from previous articles, I’m a big fan of robots. I love the idea of automation and think they’re just plain cool. Robots can also be very helpful for people with disabilities by doing tasks that would normally be difficult or impossible to do. With washing windows being one of those tasks. From a wheelchair, much of a window can be reachable but high ones can be harder. A pole can be used to extend reach but can be awkward to use. Others may not have the ability to wash windows at all. But really, who likes to wash windows anyway. So now we all can benefit from the WINBOT, a window washing robot by ECOVACS of China.

WINBOT looks like a square robot vacuum that suction cups onto a window. Which is basically what it is. On the bottom side of WINBOT are suction cup rings that keep it attached to the window. Within the rings is where a cleaning solution comes out. Following behind the suction cups are a squeegee and cleaning pad. Tank like treads on the sides move the WINBOT around the window surface.

Operation begins with pouring the cleaning solution into the WINBOT. Then the user turns it on and places it on the window surface. Once suction is established, WINBOT begins finding the edges of the window. After the size of the window is known, washing is done in a pattern to ensure all parts are cleaned. Here is how EVOVACS describes the cleaning process:

First, the front Cleaning Pad, sprayed with cleaning solution, moistens, loosens and absorbs dirt. Second, the Squeegee draws the remaining water-borne dirt and dampness off the window. Third, the rear Cleaning Pad wipes the window to a dry, spotless condition.

Having a robot cleaning robot sideways on a window may have some worried about it losing suction and falling. WINBOT has some backups for such a situation. First is a secondary suction ring that activates if the main suction ring loses power. Secondly, a Safety Pod can attached. This is a secondary mount that holds onto the WINBOT cord should it fall completely off the window. Similar to the safety mechanism for rock climbing.

For houses and building with few or small windows, WINBOT may not be needed or practical. But if there are a lot of windows or big and high ones, WINBOT might be of tremendous help. Unfortunately though WINBOT appears to currently only be available in certain Asian and European countries. To see the WINBOT in action watch the video below. For more information on WINBOT visit this link.