How a Colorado-Based Startup Overcame Extreme Conditions with Innovative UAV Technology from Apellix
Apellix, a Jacksonville, Florida-based company focused on robotic arm and end effector-equipped UAVs, recently released a LinkedIn post discussing one interesting application for their innovative drones- window cleaning. Jay and Nicole Hanna, two drone professionals in Colorado, alongside CTO Ray Jeans, are the founders of Drone Wash, a partially veteran-owned window cleaning business based in Denver, Colorado.
While several of their projects, including cleaning the windows at historic Stapleton Airport’s Air Control Tower, have gained significant local media attention, Drone Wash wasn’t a sure bet by any means. However, Nicole’s background in facilities management and their shared experience running JeevesDrones, a successful drone photography, photogrammetry, and inspections business, convinced them that drone-powered window cleaning could be a good fit for Colorado’s difficult conditions.
“Adding to our concerns were Colorado’s wind, dryness, brutal sunshine, and high altitude, making it one of the toughest markets to operate a drone in,” said Jay. “Fast forward to today, we’ve mastered the elements and are on a path to revolutionize window cleaning by incorporating technology from a window cleaning pioneer in Pennsylvania. Drone Wash is now achieving remarkable results in window cleaning with our latest techniques and equipment.”
Their efforts to clean the Stapleton air traffic control tower in Central Park, Colorado, stands out as a proof of concept for the fast-growing company. Now owned by FlyteCo, a brewery and entertainment venue, there was more than 20 years of hardened bird droppings on the 180-foot tower, making traditional window cleaning methods almost impossible. Using their drone and unique techniques, Drone Wash successfully removed 99% of the buildup in just two hours, showcasing the power and efficiency of drone cleaning.
To make these projects happen, the couple opted for an Apellix drone, affectionately nicknamed “Betty”, equipped with a power washing unit. Apellix has focused on drones designed to aid in key washing, inspection, and testing processes, including their Power Wash drone and a unit focused on non-destructive testing, allowing for unprecedented accuracy and efficiency while removing the need for personnel to complete often dangerous tasks.
The original LinkedIn post is available here. More information on Drone Wash is available here. More information on Apellix is available here.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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