ELID Technology International bags Made in Singapore – Automation Systems award

AXIOBOTS® robotic cleaning and painting system reduces manpower by 50% whilst reducing risks for façade cleaning work.

Security access equipment manufacturer ELID Technology International has won the Made in Singapore – Automation Systems award for AXIOBOTS®, the world’s first robotic cleaning and painting system, at the recently concluded Made in Singapore and Designed in Singapore awards presented by Singapore Business Review.

The system, which was designed and made in Singapore, aims to aid façade-cleaning work that is generally perceived as ‘high risk’ thanks to safety concerns and intensive dependence on labour. As no one cleaning method suits all buildings, different cleaning processes have also been developed and integrated into the system, thus allowing for customized façade cleaning.

Originally intended for façade painting, it has been improved and enhanced from its initial capabilities to become a 4-in-1, or one-stop solution to façade painting, cleaning, water-tightness test and inspection.

“The development of a façade cleaning and painting robot faced many challenges as unlike ‘ground-moving’ robots, this robot will be deployed on the façade hanging in ‘mid-air’. Whilst emphasis was placed on quality of finishing (in terms of painting) and cleanliness for cleaning, safety in deployment requires extensive research,” the firm explained.

AXIOBOTS® works via suspended platforms such as gondolas, building maintenance units, boom lifts and scissor lifts. It has been found to increase productivity by over 30%, reduce manpower requirements by 50%, whilst eliminating risks of working at height.

AXIOBOTS® was deployed for cleaning at a building that has not undergone any cleaning since its temporary occupation permit (TOP) six years ago, AXIOBOTS® cleaned the surface with agitation to remove stains in one cycle. Compared to conventional rope access façade cleaning, stains were still clearly visible after two rounds of cleaning.

AXIOBOTS® was trademarked and various patent applications were initiated in some 16 countries, namely Singapore, US, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea etc. It has received the grant of patent in Singapore, US, and China.

ELID Technology International provides state-of-art security access equipment for some of the most prestigious projects in Singapore. Its products range from biometric and access control systems to CCTV surveillance and pedestrian gates.