The skyscraper window-washing robots are here

Tourists and workers alike jostling their way through New York's bustling midtown may notice an odd sight next time they look up. Dozens of floors above ground, the world's first commercial window-cleaning-robot will be thrusting its two white mechanical arms back and forth, soapy squeegees in hand. Skyline Robotics, the New York-based company behind the "Ozmo" cleaning robot, believe machines like theirs are faster and safer than traditional cleaning methods and could help address the potential shortage of human skyscraper window washers in coming years. It's just the latest example of artificial intelligence and robotics merging together to perform real-word tasks once confined to people. Starting this week, Skyline's Ozmo robot will get to work cleaning windows at 1133 Avenue of the Americas, a 45-story Class A skyscraper owned and managed by the Durst Organization near New York's Bryant Park.