VistaBright
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Date
2025
Authors
Adam Abahri
Gais Salamma
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Abstract
Because of their height, surface area, and safety considerations, modern high-rise buildings—especially those with large glass facades—present considerable maintenance and cleaning challenges. In addition to being risky, traditional cleaning techniques that rely on manual labor and suspended platforms are also expensive and time-consuming. This project addresses this issue by introducing VistaBright, an automated façade cleaning system that replaces manual window washing in a way that is safer, more effective, and more economical.
VistaBright combines software, electronics, and mechanical parts into a single unit that can operate manually or automatically. Three microcontrollers—ESP32, Arduino Uno, and Arduino Mega—that are coordinated using UART-based serial communication form the core of the system, and ESP-NOW protocol for communicate the ESP’s. Users can choose between manual and automated cleaning modes using the ESP32's web-based control interface, which is available over Wi-Fi. Every function (such as brush movement, water spraying, and controlling the servo’s angle) can be independently controlled in manual mode. When the system operates in automatic mode, the user enters the building's height and the direction they want it cleaned. The system then determines the best time to move vertically utilizing a lift mechanism that is driven by a Gear DC motor.
A water pump for targeted spraying, ultrasonic sensors for boundary detection, a temperature sensor for thermal safety, a water level sensor to guarantee continuous operation, and a 12V motor with a cylindrical brush for surface scrubbing are essential parts. All electronics are kept in a sealed box to guard against water damage, and the cleaning module is contained in a galvanized metal frame that is resistant to weather. When sensors identify hazardous situations, the system also has safety halts and emergency stop procedures.
VistaBright was successfully prototyped and tested in spite of limitations including restricted local access to components and problems with the power supply in the development environment. The results showed that it could effectively clean while using less water, power, and human intervention. Future commercial deployment in the smart building sector is made possible by the design's scalability and modularity.
VistaBright is a prime example of how automation, embedded systems, and sensor networks can be used practically to solve problems in the real world. In addition to confirming that automated facade cleaning is feasible, this initiative creates new avenues for innovation, like using computer vision to identify dirty areas and enhancing thermal drying