The second Urban Air Morning event centered on how drones can improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of traditional facility management. Stefan Gloger, the CEO of NEO Urban Services, a medium-sized trade company pioneering professional drone cleaning in northern Germany, was the guest.
From idea to implementation - in record time
A shortage of skilled workers and the high safety risks associated with traditional facade cleaning prompted NEO Urban Services to forge new ground. What is already common practice in countries such as Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands is now being established in Germany. The use of cleaning drones.
In December 2024, the NEO team traveled to Denmark to see the first drone systems in action. Due to an initially unclear licensing situation in Germany, getting started with drone cleaning posed a particular challenge. Nevertheless, the young drone company resolutely set about obtaining the necessary operating license with the support of external experts. The process was complex but went quickly thanks to good preparation and close cooperation with the authorities. As a result, NEO Urban Services began operations in Hamburg in April 2025 with the support of the French drone manufacturer Dronevolt.
Innovation meets reality — opportunities and challenges
The response to the first missions was overwhelmingly positive, with around 98% of feedback being positive. However, the team has also received criticism, such as concerns about noise or personal rights. Stefan Gloger emphasizes: "Citizens have nothing to fear. Our drones don't take pictures. Moreover, safety is our absolute priority." A team of three accompanies each mission — a pilot and two employees who secure the surroundings.
Looking to the future
Currently, drone cleaning accounts for around two percent of the market in Germany. However, Gloger expects this figure to rise to 20-30 percent in the coming years. The reasons are obvious: greater safety, lower costs, and greater efficiency. There is also a lot of technical progress yet to be made. While drones weighing up to 30 kg are currently in use, Gloger expects that lighter models will soon be approved.
Cleaning drones have a wide range of applications, including cleaning façades, PV systems, silos, and trains, as well as de-icing aircraft and automating plant irrigation.
In the long term, the company would like to see greater automation and the formation of a professional team with technological expertise. With over 160 employees at several locations, NEO Urban Services is well positioned — and determined — to continue revolutionizing the market.