Window Inspiration

[plumtreeblossom]

Just now I was outside looking up at the Hancock Tower. There was a single layer of semi-enclosed scaffolding suspended from cables some 30 floors up, upon which there were people doing something, presumably washing windows. They might have been doing something else like a safety check or repairs (I didn't have my glasses on), but for the sake of this thought bubble lets say they were washing windows.

It seems to me that routine window washing of glass skyscrapers is something that could easily be done robotically, rather than sending humans to such dangerous heights for such a simple task.

The invention that formed in my head involved a unit similar to the suspended scaffolding. Inside, it would be outfitted with any number of robotic limbs for washing, a sprayer for cleaning solution, and a movable cam. The operator could control the whole washing process remotely, and check via the cam for bird poop or other problems. It would be raised and lowered from the roof just as the manned version is, but without the risk involved when actual workers are sent up.

It's very feasible. If they can send a robot Tonka truck gamboling over the hills and dales of Mars, a robot can wash earth-bound skyscraper windows.

TM.

Comments

[chanaleh.livejournal.com]

Perhaps iRobot should work on this next! (But what would they call it? The Viewba?)

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Ah yes!

From the makers of Roomba, presenting Windoid, for all your window cleaning needs!

[moria923.livejournal.com]

Ah, but wouldn't this be Tiger Boy's department?

[spatch]

But robots won't be able to view the SEXXY GOINGS-ON that always happen when window washers happen upon the OFFICE OF SEXXY GOINGS-ON!

But what do I know? I haven't had late-night Cinemax in years.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

I did think about that. The robots could be programmed to leer with their red robot eyes at Teh Goings-On, then look away and hum if it senses eye contact with the people.

[marmota.livejournal.com]

I was thinking more along the lines of a sign that lights up saying "I'm blogging this.".

[oneagain.livejournal.com]

When you die, I want your brain.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

ZOMBIE!!!! :-)

[jicama]

Window-washing cowboy, make 'em shiny clean
Windex and a squeegee in your hand
You'll never find another love like your sweet Marie
From Stanleyville down to the Rio Grande

from memory: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000G2HS

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Wow, I've never heard that before! :-)

[spwebdesign.livejournal.com]

The robots, of course, have little video cameras transmitting the SEXXY GOINGS-ON to a creepy balding fat man in a control room somewhere, where he can instantly upload it to YouTube.