Drones enlisted to power wash the KFC Yum! Center exterior in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The KFC Yum! Center is utilizing a new technology for an exterior cleaning project this week.

The arena in downtown Louisville is undergoing drone power washing over the next few days. Aeras, a drone-powered cleaning solution company, worked on the front façade of the building's windows on Wednesday morning.

While the KFC Yum! Center has used traditional cleaning methods for its exterior windows in the past, it's the first time the entire façade of the arena has been cleaned, since it opened in October 2010.

"We knew the building had a lot of wear and tear from years of exposure to traffic, Thunder Over Louisville and the river, so we were researching ways to clean the building, drones kept coming up in our research," said Sandra Moran, marketing director of KFC Yum! Center. "You'll absolutely be able to see the differences, especially in the windows, the building was very dirty after 14 years of the elements."

IMAGES | Advanced drone power washing technology cleans KFC Yum! Center

Aeras uses the most powerful pressure-washing drone on the market, according to the company. The pressure washer emits 5000 PSI at 10 gallons per minute. The drone's software includes rolling radars that keeps the flying objects away from buildings and other hazards to prevent crashes.

The drone technology is expected to significantly reduce the time and labor of the cleaning project. The drone is also able to reach high and hard-to-access areas of the arena.

"The building is aging and we're starting to do more projects to keep it state-of-the-art and in great condition," Moran said. "It was much needed. We are doing this for just a little over the cost that we would normally pay to do the windows. We're able to clean the entire facility using drones."

Prior to its work at the KFC Yum! Center, Aeras worked at Churchill Downs in 2021. Aeras is headquartered in Pittsburgh.

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