Maintaining large vertical structures has traditionally required complex access solutions such as scaffolding, rope access or elevated work platforms. While these methods are effective, they can involve significant setup time, higher costs and technicians working at height.
As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and safer work practices, Programmed Facility Management recently carried out a drone facade cleaning trial at Silo Park.
The trial tested the use of heavy lift drone technology to carry out both high pressure washing and soft wash treatments on large structures. Two areas of the site were selected to understand how the technology performs across different surfaces and heights. A section of the Silo Park gantry, a steel structure running approximately 100 metres in length, was cleaned using high pressure washing. The second task involved applying a soft wash treatment to part of Silo 7, a 35 metre tall concrete silo, allowing the team to assess how effectively the drone could treat tall vertical surfaces.
Rather than requiring technicians to work at height, the drone operates as a flying extension of standard cleaning equipment, delivering water or chemical treatments while operators remain safely on the ground. This approach removes a number of traditional risks while also simplifying the logistics required to carry out the work.
The trial forms part of Programmed’s wider testing of aerial cleaning systems for building maintenance and chemical treatment applications. Early observations have shown several potential advantages, particularly when working on large or complex structures such as silos, gantries, warehouses and industrial facades.
One of the most significant benefits is safety. With operators remaining on the ground, the exposure associated with working at height is removed. Setup time can also be reduced, as the system does not require scaffolding or large access equipment before work begins. This can make a noticeable difference on busy or constrained sites where space and disruption need to be carefully managed.
Across Programmed’s wider drone testing programme, early data is also showing measurable efficiency gains when compared with traditional access methods. Initial trials indicate that drone based applications can complete work between three and six times faster in certain scenarios. Treatment productivity rates are also higher and some projects have demonstrated potential cost reductions of between 35 and 60 percent, depending on the type of structure and treatment required.
Because the equipment can be operated with a smaller crew and a reduced ground footprint, the approach can also minimise disruption in active environments such as waterfront precincts, commercial areas or large industrial facilities.
The Silo Park trial is one example of how emerging technology could support the maintenance of large infrastructure assets in the future. By testing new tools and methods in real world environments, Programmed is continuing to explore ways to improve safety outcomes, increase efficiency and deliver better value for asset owners.
Innovation in maintenance isn’t just about adopting new technology. It’s about carefully evaluating where new approaches can deliver safer, smarter and more cost effective solutions for the communities and assets we help maintain.
