A lifecycle analysis of an autonomous window cleaning robot for high-rise buildings

In today’s world, the push for environmental sustainability is more urgent than ever, prompting industries to reevaluate their processes and products. KiteRobotics is a Dutch company that have developed novel autonomous window cleaning technology. Their innovative window cleaning robot is designed to streamline building maintenance, improve resource efficiency, and minimise human exposure to hazardous situations. However, with rising environmental concerns, KiteRobotics recognizes the need to thoroughly understand and quantify the environmental impacts of their product throughout its lifecycle.

ClearImpact, led by FIP-AM@UT, aims to perform a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of KiteRobotics’ autonomous window cleaning robot. This initiative is designed to evaluate the environmental impacts of the robot from cradle to grave, providing a detailed understanding of its sustainability using the LCA framework defined by the ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 series. By setting precise goals and scope, mapping the analysed system, and gathering and modelling essential data, ClearImpact will shed light on the environmental performance of this cutting-edge technology.

The project’s core objectives include assessing the robot’s environmental impacts throughout its lifecycle, from manufacturing through to disposal. ClearImpact will deliver valuable insights for product management at various levels, helping to pinpoint high-impact materials and processes.

Industry partner

WORK PACKAGES

Every FIP-AM@UT project is divided into separate work packages, to clearly distinguish the several stages and purposes within the project. ClearImpact consists of four work packages.

Goal and scope definition

Define purpose, boundaries, and functional unit

Inventory analysis

Collect and model input-output data

Impact assessment

Assess environmental impacts of collected data

Result analysis

Analyse, conclude, and recommend based on results

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CLEARIMPACT, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO

Ale Sarmiento Casas

Research Engineer