Commercial window cleaning has traditionally depended on labor intensive operations, specialized access equipment and crews willing to work at height. The emergence of cleaning drones is beginning to change that equation, particularly for large buildings with extensive exterior glass.
The technology is part of a broader shift toward commercial automation. The International Federation of Robotics reported that global shipments of professional service robots increased 24% in 2025 to almost 250,000 units. Professional cleaning was among the fastest growing application areas as businesses increasingly adopted automation for physical tasks.
For entrepreneurs, the development creates another question beyond which equipment to buy. They also need to consider how the technology, training, customer acquisition and commercial work fit together as a business model.
That is particularly relevant in window cleaning, where accessing taller buildings can increase the cost and complexity of conventional operations. A drone can potentially change how a commercial cleaning company approaches difficult exterior surfaces while allowing operators to build a service around equipment designed specifically for the work.
Top drone window cleaning franchise
SkyPSI is building a business model around commercial cleaning drones rather than treating the aircraft as a standalone piece of equipment. Its Operator program combines access to the Apellix Power Wash B2, training, operational support and marketing guidance, allowing independent operators to build their own commercial cleaning businesses.
The B2 is designed for commercial exterior cleaning and has a published maximum flight time of up to 32 minutes and working reach of up to 195 feet. SkyPSI also lists window cleaning as a core application and says the system is operated by FAA Part 107 certified pilots.
The company currently starts its Operator program at $3,000 per month, with equipment, training and support included. SkyPSI also says a qualified operator receives one guaranteed paid commercial cleaning job, giving new operators an opportunity to gain field experience while developing their own customer base.
