At National Institute of Technology – Tiruchi (NIT-T),startup Zerowings Aerospace showed off a new facade-washing drone,co-founded by alumni R. Akilan and V. Sree Aravinth. On June 11,they demonstrated its potential to change how high-rise buildings get cleaned,slashing time,risk and labor .
This hexacopter drone boasts six powerful motors,each generating up to 15 kg of thrust. With a 25 kg payload capacity,it can reach heights of 100 metres. During demo,it applied soapy solution to facade before rinsing with de-ionised water,leaving no water marks . Akilan said de-ionised water cuts out need for hand-wiping,unlike traditional methods.
The drone can clean buildings of 10 to 13 floors in about eight hours . Manual cleaning takes 10 days and risks worker safety . “Drone washers can clean high-rises without scaffolding or ropes,” he noted.
De-ionised water,minus mineral ions,is safe for industrial use. In bigger cities,it's readily available. But in smaller spots,Zerowings brings its own de-ioniser. This is part of Zerowings' mission to create fully indigenous,autonomous drones made in India.
Founded last year,Zerowings has already delivered systems to Indian Army and completed sea trials with Indian Coast Guard. They've secured Letters of Intent from Parachute Regiment Special Forces and Border Security Force of Indian Army.
Project got ₹25 lakh seed funding from NIT-T’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Incubation (CEDI), supporting innovation. Akilan felt proud demonstrating at alma mater,emphasizing return to Orion hall where they once studied.
