EasyX's new cleaning robot can wash vertically along smooth surfaces.
That's why the Bergen-based startup believes the robot can revolutionize the cleaning of fish tanks in land-based aquaculture and hatcheries.
The ability to drive on vertical surfaces, regardless of material, means that it works well on this type of site," says General Manager Sindre Hansen.
Helped by painting robot
The idea for the washing robot came when the founders, Sindre and Bård Hansen (the latter is the company's Chief Technology Officer) were painting a house wall. Like many others, they found this to be a tedious process.
They decided to streamline the process and created a robot assistant that could "climb" the walls and paint for them.
"I live in a condominium, so there were a lot of 'surprised' neighbors who wondered what happened when they saw it drive up and down the wall," says Sindre Hansen.
Then came the question of whether it was possible to make one to wash the tanks in land-based facilities and hatcheries.
Soapy smooth
The walls of a fish tank, however, are different from the walls of a house.
- Why did we embark on such a silly project as trying to get something to hang on a soapy surface?
Hansen follows up his own question by pointing out the HSE risks of manual cleaning. "It's physically demanding for the cleaning staff. They have to walk over a large surface and be at a height to get everywhere. In addition, there are strong chemicals involved.
The new robot can be controlled by remote control. By the end of the year, the aim is to have developed a robot that is good enough for trained personnel at the plant to control it themselves. So far, EasyX has been behind the controls.
Developing autonomous robot
The cleaning robot stays attached to the wall using negative pressure - so-called vacuum technology. "It also has anti-slip belts," says Hansen. This means that it will be able to stick to all types of materials.
By the first quarter of 2026, the goal is to be ready with the first autonomous washing robot.
By far, our biggest competitor is manual washing," Hansen tells iLaks.
Read the full story here
