WO2023161604A1

WO2023161604A1 - A platform and a platform system

Info

Publication number: WO2023161604A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/050302
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig MAWLAM
Original assignee: Ionic Systems Limited
Priority date: 2022-02-23
Filing date: 2023-02-10
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Also published as: GB2616018A; GB202202487D0; GB2616018A8

Abstract

A platform for supporting an end effector connected to a distal end of an elongate member above an elevated surface, such as a roof of a building, when a proximal end of the elongate member is positioned on towards a lower surface, such as a ground surface, the platform comprising: a guide for receiving a portion of a mast configured to support an elongate member, the elongate member having a distal end and an end effector connected to the a distal end thereof; a first actuator configured to move the mast in a first direction so as to move raise the end effector vertically relative to an elevated surface; a second actuator configured to move the guide in a second direction different to the first direction so as to move the end effector across the elevated surface when a proximal end of the elongate member is positioned on towards the lower surface, and a controller operatively connected to the first actuator and the second actuator.

Description

A PLATFORM AND A PLATFORM SYSTEM

[0001] This invention relates to a platform and platform systems for supporting an end effector connected to a distal end of an elongate member above an elevated surface, such as a roof of a building, when a proximal end of the elongate member is positioned on a lower surface, such as a ground surface.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Elevated surfaces, such as the roof of a building, can accumulate lichen and moss which can damage the roof if not removed after prolonged periods of time, which can become dislodged and clog guttering, and which can be unsightly. Cleaning poles for washing the roof of a building are known. However, prior art cleaning poles are heavy, particularly when loaded with water which is expelled onto the roof for cleaning, and cumbersome to move across the roof surface to ensure all of the roof is washed. Furthermore, while a mast can be used to support the weight of the pole, a mast only provides limited coverage of the roof as a user on the ground walks a corresponding distance causing the cleaning pole to pivot about the mast. A mast is also a static device that needs to be moved to several different locations on the ground so that the user is able to clean the entire roof surface. This is particularly inconvenient as cleaning a single standard roof can take over a day when the mast must be moved repeatedly.

[0003] The present invention seeks to address at least some of these issues.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Viewed from a first aspect, the present invention provides a platform for supporting an end effector connected to a distal end of an elongate member above an elevated surface, such as a roof of a building, when a proximal end of the elongate member is positioned towards a lower surface, such as a ground surface, the platform comprising: a guide for receiving a portion of a mast configured to support an elongate member, the elongate member having a distal end and an end effector connected to the distal end; a first actuator configured to move the mast in a first direction so as to move the end effector vertically relative to an elevated surface; a second actuator configured to move the guide in a second direction different to the first direction so as to move the end effector across the elevated surface when a proximal end of the elongate member is positioned towards the lower surface, and a controller operatively connected to the first actuator and the second actuator.

[0005] Thus, the present invention provides a platform which allows a user on the lower surface to control the elongate member over a considerably larger range of angles as the fulcrum provided by the end of the mast moves instead of the user on the lower surface. By actuating the mast in the claimed manner, the coverage of the end effector is greatly increased for a given range of movement of a user on the lower surface.

[0006] The platform may comprise at least one ground engaging member for moving the platform over the lower surface. This facilitates relocating the platform, for example to/from a vehicle, or at different sites on the ground surface. The ground engaging member may comprise any of a wheel and a skid.

[0007] The platform may comprise a ballast member. The ballast member may be releasably attached to platform. The ballast member may comprise a liquid reservoir. Where the end effector comprises a nozzle, the liquid reservoir may be fluidly connected to the nozzle. The platform may comprise a stabiliser. The stabiliser may have a variable length. The stabiliser may extend from the platform in a user-selectable direction.

[0008] While the term “actuator” is used herein, it would be apparent that this was merely exemplary, and any mechanism, such as a winch, able to provide the motions described herein would be suitable for use with the present platform system. The first actuator may be configured to move the mast by up to 300 mm. The first actuator may be at least partially disposed within the guide. The first actuator may contact a proximal end of the mast to move the mast. The first actuator may be arranged to suspend the proximal end of the mast approximately 450mm from a lower end of the guide. The guide may be connected to the platform by a pivotal connection. The first actuator may be configured to position the lower end of the mast between 450mm and 750mm from the pivotal connection.

[0009] The second actuator may be configured to move the mast through an angle of up to 30 degrees. The second actuator may be configured to move the mast relative to a vertical axis. The second actuator may be configured to move the mast up to 15 degrees relative to the vertical axis. The second actuator may be configured to move the mast by up to 4650 mm. The second actuator may have a linear travel of between 26 and 175 mm.

[0010] The platform may comprise a liquid reservoir connectable to a nozzle on the end effector. The platform may include a pump arranged to pump liquid from the reservoir to the nozzle.

[0011] The platform may comprise a user interface for receiving a user input to manually operate the controller. The user interface may be operatively connected to a remote control for receiving the user input.

[0012] The controller may be configured to receive a control signal from a remote control for controlling the first actuator and/or the second actuator. There is also provided a controller having a non-volatile memory with instructions stored thereon for receiving control data, operating the first actuator and/or the second actuator based on the control data. The controller member may have instructions stored there for operating the platform as described herein.

[0013] The platform may comprise a battery operatively connected to the controller. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a 12V battery.

[0014] The platform may be configured as a trolley. The elongate member may be a cleaning pole. The elongate member may comprise a plurality of telescopic sections. The mast may comprise a plurality of telescopic sections.

[0015] Viewed from a further independent aspect, there is also provided a platform system for supporting an end effector connected to a distal end of an elongate member above an elevated surface, such as a roof of a building, when a proximal end of the elongate member is positioned on a lower surface, such as a ground surface, the platform system comprising a platform as described herein. The platform system also includes an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an end effector connected to the distal end, and a mast configured to support the end effector above an elevated surface when the proximal end of the elongate member is positioned on a lower surface.

[0016] The end effector may comprise a sensor. The end effector may be releasably connected to the distal end. The sensor may be releasably connected to the end effector. The sensor may be a camera.

[0017] The end effector may comprise a tool operatively connected to the controller. The tool may be for processing the elevated surface or a structure on the elevated surface. The elevated surface may be a roof of a building. The tool may comprise a brush. The tool may comprise a nozzle, such as a high pressure nozzle or a turbo nozzle. A releasable connection allows the brush and the nozzle to be swapped so that a user can process a first elevated surface, such as the roof, before using a second tool to process a second elevated surface, such as a wall or window of the building. When the end effector comprises a camera, the camera may provide visual feedback to a user on the ground regarding the status of the roof and/or windows.

[0018] The mast may be arranged to slidably support the elongate member such that an user can slide the elongate member along a longitudinal direction of the elongate member from the proximal end.

[0019] The mast may comprise a holder for supporting the elongate member. The holder may be arranged to swivel about a longitudinal axis of the mast. [0020] The mast may comprise a hook for limiting the separation between the elongate member and the mast.

[0021] The mast may comprise a roller for guiding the movement of the elongate member over the mast along the longitudinal direction.

[0022] The controller may be operable from the proximal end of the elongate member. This advantageously allows the user to control the platform when holding the proximal end of the elongate pole. The remote control may be integral with the proximal end of the elongate member. In some cases the pole includes a handle which incorporates the remote control. The controller may be in data communication with the remote control via a wireless connection, for example a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. This advantageously allows any of the actuators, sensors and tools to be controlled independently of one another.

[0023] The controller may be configured to output control data for selectively operating the first and/or second actuator to move the end effector along a pre-determined path across the elevated surface. Where a camera is present, the controller may identify a status of the roof or a portion of the roof. The status may include the areas of the roof that have been cleaned. The controller may adjust the pre-determined path based on the camera data and/or the status of the roof. In some cases, the controller may direct the end effector over a part of the elevated surface based on the status of the portion of the roof.

[0024] The controller may be configured to monitor the position of the proximal end. The controller may be configured to adjust the control data based on the position of the proximal end so as to maintain the pre-determined path across the elevated surface as the proximal end moves over the lower surface. Thus, as a user moves the elongate member, for example along the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, the controller will control the first actuator and/or the second actuator to ensure the end effector follows the predetermined path and the elevated surface is processed in a satisfactory manner.

[0025] Viewed from a further independent aspect there is also provided a kit of parts for a platform system as described herein, the kit of parts comprising a platform as described herein, and a mast for use in the platform system as described herein.

[0026] The kit of parts may comprise an elongate member as described herein.

[0027] There is also disclosure of use of a platform system as described herein to clean any of a roof, a window or a solar panel mounted on a surface of a building. The same or a different tool may be used to clean the different surfaces and/or structures of the building.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A & 1 B illustrates an exemplary platform system in the form of a cleaning system in a first configuration and a second configuration respectively;

Figures 2A & 2B illustrate close-up views of the trolley of the cleaning system in the first and second configurations illustrated in Figures 1A and 1 B respectively;

Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary mast;

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary user interface of the trolley of Figures 2A and 2B;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary cleaning system for cleaning a roof of a house;

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate assembled and partially exploded views of an exemplary holder, and

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate side views of an exemplary platform system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figures 1A and 1 B illustrate an exemplary cleaning system 10 in first and second configurations respectively. With reference to Figure 5, the cleaning system 10 includes a trolley 12 on the ground 1 adjacent a building 3 having a roof 5. The trolley 12 supports a mast 30 which in turn provides a fulcrum for a cleaning pole 40 supported thereon. The cleaning pole 40 has a distal end 44 and a set of turbo nozzles 50 on the distal end 44. A user 2 stands on the ground 1 holding a proximal end 42 of the cleaning pole 40 and is able to move the cleaning pole in an axial direction along its longitudinal axis to move the turbo nozzles 50 over the roof 5 to clean the roof 5. The turbo nozzles are high pressure nozzles able to pump water at approximately 3000 psi (approximately 21 MPa) at 21 L/minute to displace lichen and moss growing on the roof 5. A pump connected to a liquid reservoir 52, for example a 70L tank, (see Figure 2B) is also provided on the trolley 12. The pump may pump liquid at 100psi (approximately 0.7MPa). The trolley 12 has wheels 13 to facilitate moving the trolley 12 over the ground 1. While a wheel 13 has been shown, it would be apparent that other ground engaging members would be suitable for use to move the trolley over the ground 1 , for example by rolling or facilitating sliding of the trolley 12 over the ground 1.

[0030] A stabiliser, e.g. an 1100mm long bar 15, resting on a part of the trolley 12 to counterbalance the moment created by the movement of the turbo nozzles 50 over the roof 5. The bar 15 projects from the trolley 12 in a user-selectable direction to provide a sufficient counter moment to the weight of the turbo nozzles 50. The bar 15 may have a fixed length or be telescopic to provide a sufficient counter moment. The trolley 12 may include one or more sections of frame having an open end 19 to receive a respective stabiliser (see Figures 7A and 7B). By providing stabilisers that extend from adjacent sides of the trolley 12, this further improves the stability of the trolley 12, particularly on rough or uneven ground. The open frame also provides an easy way for the user 2 to secure the stabiliser(s) to the trolley 12. The liquid reservoir 52 is an example of ballast which provides a similar function to the bar 15. While the liquid reservoir 52 is also the liquid source for the turbo nozzles 50, it would be apparent this was not essential, and a separate liquid reservoir may provide sufficient ballast for the trolley 12. It would also be appreciated that while a stabiliser and ballast is shown in the illustrated example, either or both of the stabiliser or ballast may be omitted. This is particularly the case, where alternative tools and/or sensors are used instead of the turbo nozzles 50 which may exert considerably smaller loads on the trolley 12.

[0031] The trolley 12 includes a guide 14 having a recess into which an end of the mast 14 is inserted (see also Figures 2A and 3). The trolley 16 also includes a brace 20 having a slot 22 within which the guide 14 can move. This provides additional support for the guide 14 when the mast 30, is rotated to larger angles relative to the vertical. A linear actuator 16 is also positioned within the recess and is arranged to displace the mast 30 in a linear manner within the guide 14 to raise and lower the mast 30, and therefore the fulcrum provided by the end of the mast 30, relative to the ground 1. While a linear actuator is shown, it would be apparent this was exemplary, and other actuators, such as rotary actuators, may be arranged to provide the desired movement of the mast 30 and guide 14. This displacement of the cleaning pole 40 and turbo nozzles 50 are magnified compared to the motion of the mast 30 in the vertical direction relative to the roof 5 due to the moving fulcrum when the user 2 remains static. The guide 14 is connected to the trolley via a pivotal connection 17 so that the guide 14 can rotate about an axis of rotation (A1 in Figure 5) relative to the rest of the trolley 12. In the illustrated example, the axis of rotation A1 of the guide 14 is parallel to the rotational axis of the wheels 13 but it would be apparent this was not essential. A winch guide is suitable for use as the first actuator 16, but it would be apparent this was merely exemplary. While the guide 14 is shown having a square profile it would be apparent this was merely exemplary. The recess of the guide 14 is shown corresponding to the mast 30 such that lateral movement within the guide 14 is minimised. However, it would be apparent this was not essential and the guide may have a cross-section larger than that of the mast 30 to enable other components, such as further actuators or dampers, to be located within the guide to control the movement of the mast 3 in use. A rod can be included at the top of the guide 14 to minimise the risk of damage of the mast 30. The rod is mounted at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the mast 30 such that as the mast 30 moves inside the guide 14, the mast 30 travels over the curved surface of the rod rather than an edge of the guide 14. While a trolley 12 is described, it would be apparent that this was merely an exemplary framework to which the different components described herein could be mounted. By way of example, the mast 14 may have a length (e.g. an extended length) of approximately 9m as this would provide sufficient vertical clearance to access the majority of elevated surfaces 5 on the building 3 that need cleaning.

[0032] A second actuator 16 is fixed to the trolley 12 and is connected to the guide 14 and is arranged to move, specifically rotate, the guide 14 about its rotational axis A1. The rotational movement of the guide 14 rotates the mast 30, in particular the fulcrum, by a corresponding amount A2. As the mast 30 rotates, this moving fulcrum will magnify the distance travelled by the distal end 44 of the cleaning pole 40 across the roof 5 (“A3” in Figure 5) when the user 2 standing on the ground 1 holds the proximal end 42 of the cleaning pole 40. The path taken by the turbo nozzles 50 across the roof 5 can be manipulated as desired to ensure complete coverage of the use through any combination of: the user 2 moving across the ground 1, the user 2 pushing/pulling the cleaning pole 40 along its longitudinal axis and operating the first 16 and/or second 18 actuators. For example, the first 16 and second 18 actuators may be operated together to compensate lowering of the turbo nozzles 50 as the guide 14 rotates. That is to say, the first actuator 16 can raise the mast 30 as the second actuator 18 rotates the guide 14 to move the turbo nozzles 50 in a substantially linear path across the roof 5.

[0033] The mast 30 also includes multiple telescopic sections 32 (see Figure 4) which allow the fulcrum position to be adjusted so the turbo nozzles 50 are positioned roughly in the centre of the roof 5 before either of the actuators 16, 18 are operated. Thus, the telescopic mast 30 lets the user 2 account for the distance from the building 3, the height of the building 3 and any constraints on the ground 1 in a relatively simple manner to position the turbo nozzles 50 over the centre of the roof 5. Once the turbo nozzles 50 are broadly over the centre of the roof 5, the actuated guide 14 provides a considerably larger range of motion and greater control of the turbo nozzles 50 as the user 2 moves the cleaning pole 40 as required to trace a path of the turbo nozzles 50 over the entire roof 5. As the guide rotates, this will move the turbo nozzles 50 through an arc A3 of between 20 and 30 feet (approximately 6 to 10m) over the roof. This results in the roof 5 being cleaned considerably more quickly compared to prior art methods. The present system can clean the entire roof 5 of a house in 4 hours, whereas the prior art method would require between 1-2 days to clean the same house due to the need to re-position the prior art cleaning poles and static support mast repeatedly to be able to access all of the roof 5. [0034] As shown in Figure 4, the mast 30 has a holder 34 for supporting the cleaning pole 40 between its proximal 42 and distal 44 ends. The holder 34 acts as a fulcrum for the cleaning pole 40 and allows the user 2 to rotate the cleaning pole 40 about a longitudinal axis of the mast 30 and also tilt the cleaning pole relative to the ground 1 to adjust the position of the turbo nozzles 50 over the roof 5. The holder 34 has a pair of hooks 36 which define an opening 38 through which the cleaning pole 40 can be passed and held in place. The hooks 36 also limit the vertical displacement of the cleaning pole 40 during use due to the reaction force of the turbo nozzles 50. By limiting the vertical displacement, the hooks 36 ensure the cleaning pole remains connected to and guided by the mast 30. The cleaning pole 40 rests on rollers 35 provided on the holder 34 to facilitate sliding of the cleaning pole 40 through the holder 34. The cleaning pole 40 can also be twisted about its longitudinal axis by the user 2 on the ground 1. Assembled and partially exploded views of the holder 34 are shown in Figures 6A and 6B. As shown in Figure 6B, the holder 34 includes two body parts 61 , 62 which provide a connection to the mast 14 and hooks 36 respectively. The hooks 36 are connected to the body part 62 via brackets 66 and held securely by a nut 67. The second body part 62 is connected to the first body part 61 by two bearings 65, for example ball bearings, to enable body part 61 to rotate, e.g. swivel, relative to body part 62. The rollers 35 are mounted on guide arms 63 connected to the second body part 62. Further bearings 65 mounted between the guide arm 63 and the rollers 35 facilitate rolling of the roller 35 as described above.

[0035] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary user interface 24 of the trolley 12. The user interface has an output display and a user input 26 exemplified by a series of buttons shown in Figure 3. The user interface 24 is connected to a controller 28 (see Figure 2A) which operates the actuators 16, 18. While the user interface 24 is illustrated as being mounted to the trolley 12, it would be apparent this was not essential, and that in some cases, the user interface 24 may be releasably mounted to the trolley 12, so that the user could set the mast 30 position when standing next to the trolley 12 before releasing the user interface 24 and walking to the proximal end 42 of the cleaning pole 40 which may be remote from the trolley 12 itself (such as is shown in Figures 1A, 1 B). This allows the user to operate the actuators 16, 18 remotely from the trolley 12. It would also be apparent that the same user interface 24 could be used to control the turbo nozzles 50 (or any other tools or sensors mounted on the cleaning pole 40). In some cases, the user interface 24 may be integrated into the cleaning pole 40, for example forming part of a handle of the cleaning pole 40.

[0036] By way of example, Figure 5 illustrates a camera 52 mounted next to the turbo nozzles 50 at the distal end 44 of the cleaning pole 40. The camera data is transmitted directly or indirectly (e.g. via the controller 28) to the user interface 24 so that the user 2 can assess the status of the roof 5. While the camera 52 is shown pointing in a similar direction to the turbo nozzles 50 to see the portion of roof 5 being sprayed, it would be apparent the camera 52 could be actuated so that it can rotate independently of the cleaning pole 40 to provide a view of the entire roof 5. Figure 5 also illustrates windows 7 and solar panels 9 on the building 3 which are elevated above the ground 1 and also require cleaning. As the turbo nozzles are releasably attached to the distal end 44 of the cleaning pole 40, it is possible to retract the turbo nozzles 50 from above the roof 5, replace the turbo nozzles 50 with one or more brushes or suitable cleaning tools (not shown), and reposition the distal end 44 over the solar panels 9 to clean the solar panels 9. The windows 7 may be cleaned by the same brushes or cleaning tools used to clean the solar panels 9 without need to reposition the trolley 12. By way of example, the turbo nozzles 50 can be retracted by the user 2 walking away from the building 3 and raising the proximal end 42 to lower the turbo nozzles 50 to the ground. Thus, the elevated surfaces of the building 3 can be cleaned in a more efficient manner than using prior art cleaning poles.

[0037] While the user 2 is able to control the position of the turbo nozzles 50 manually, for example by sliding the cleaning pole 40 and/or providing the appropriate input at the user interface to operate the actuators 16, 18, in some cases positioning of the turbo nozzles 50 can be achieved in a semi-autonomous manner. For example, the controller 28 can operate the actuators 16, 18 to move the turbo nozzles 50 in a pre-determined manner over the roof 5. As explained above, the actuators 16, 18 can ensure a linear or pseudo- linear motion of the turbo nozzles 50. Thus, the controller 28 can be configured to automatically operate the actuators 16, 18 to travel in one or more straight lines across the roof 5. This can be triggered automatically or manually by the user providing an input to the user interface 26. The controller 28 can control the actuators 16, 18 based on the assumption the user 2 will slide the cleaning pole 40 in a pre-determined manner, so that the user simply needs to push or pull the cleaning pole 40 by an incremental amount after each pass of the roof 5 by the turbo nozzles 50. However, it would be apparent that the controller 28 could use camera data of the roof to detect the position of the turbo nozzles 50 over the roof 5 and adjust the control data sent to the actuators 16, 18 based on this camera data to ensure complete or maximum coverage of the roof 5. For example, the cameras could detect the presence of structures on the roof 5, e.g. solar panels 9, and the controller 28 can adjust the position of the turbo nozzles 50 to avoid the structures, or simply switch off the turbo nozzles 50 as they pass over the solar panels 9 to avoid damaging the solar panels 9. In some cases, it would be desirable to monitor the position of the proximal end 42 of the cleaning pole 40 held by the user 2, and adjust the operation of the actuators 16, 18 based on the position of the proximal end 42.

[0038] While the platform system of the present application is described in the context of a cleaning system for cleaning a roof of a building, it would be apparent that this was merely an example, and that the present platform can be used in any scenario where scaffolding or a cherry picker would typically be used to gain access to an elevated structure or surface. Use-cases include roof cleaning, large vehicle cleaning, applying paint to roofs, solar panel cleaning, tree cutting, attaching lights and cameras to the head for filming and lighting at height. The turbo nozzles 50 are merely one example of an end effector which is suitable for processing the elevated surface. Similarly, the cleaning pole 40 is merely an example of an elongate member which the user 2 can control to process the elevated surface. Other suitable tools include any of: a cutter for cutting a part of, or a structure on, the elevated surface, a grabber for picking and/or placing one or more elements on the elevated surface, a light for illuminating an area on the elevated surface or the lower surface, and a spray unit for spraying water and/or any other fluids on the elevated surface (e.g. protective coatings or cleaning agents). Other suitable sensors include a depth sensor for determining a distance between the end effector and the elevated surface. The control data sent to the actuators can be based on the depth data to ensure a suitable spacing is left between the elevated surface and the end effector, for example to avoid damaging the roof 5 of building 3 when cleaning the roof 5 with the turbo nozzles 50.

[0039] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

1. A platform for supporting an end effector connected to a distal end of an elongate member above an elevated surface, such as a roof of a building, when a proximal end of the elongate member is positioned towards a lower surface, such as a ground surface, the platform comprising: a guide for receiving a portion of a mast configured to support an elongate member, the elongate member having a distal end and an end effector connected to the distal end ; a first actuator configured to move the mast in a first direction so as to move the end effector vertically relative to an elevated surface; a second actuator configured to move the guide in a second direction different to the first direction so as to move the end effector across the elevated surface when a proximal end of the elongate member is positioned towards the lower surface, and a controller operatively connected to the first actuator and the second actuator.

2. A platform according to claim 1, wherein the platform comprises at least one ground engaging member for moving the platform over the lower surface.

3. A platform according to claim 1 or 2 comprising a ballast member.

4. A platform according to any preceding claim comprising a stabiliser.

5. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the first actuator is configured to move the mast by up to 300mm.

6. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the second actuator is configured to move the mast through an angle of up to 30 degrees.

7. A platform according to any preceding claim comprising a liquid reservoir connectable to a nozzle on the end effector, and a pump arranged to pump liquid from the reservoir to the nozzle.

8. A platform according to any preceding claim comprising a user interface for receiving a user input to manually operate the controller.

9. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to receive a control signal from a remote control for controlling the first actuator and/or the second actuator.

10. A platform according to any preceding claim comprising a battery operatively connected to the controller.

11. A platform system for supporting an end effector connected to a distal end of an elongate member above an elevated surface, such as a roof of a building, when a proximal end of the elongate member is positioned on a lower surface, such as a ground surface, the platform system comprising: a platform according to any preceding claim; an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an end effector connected to the distal end, and a mast configured to support the end effector above an elevated surface when the proximal end of the elongate member is positioned on a lower surface.

12. A platform system according to claim 11 , wherein the end effector comprises a sensor.

13. A platform system according to claim 12, wherein the sensor is a camera.

14. A platform system according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the end effector comprises a tool operatively connected to the controller.

15. A platform system according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the mast is arranged to slidably support the elongate member such that an user can slide the elongate member along a longitudinal direction of the elongate member from the proximal end.

16. A platform system according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the mast comprises a holder for supporting the elongate member, and wherein the holder is arranged to swivel about a longitudinal axis of the mast.

17. A platform system according to any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the mast comprises a hook for limiting the separation between the elongate member and the mast.

18. A platform system according to any of claims 11 to 17, wherein the mast comprises a roller for guiding the movement of the elongate member over the mast along the longitudinal direction.

19. A platform system according to any of claims 11 to 18, wherein the controller is operable from the proximal end of the elongate member.

20. A platform system according to any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the controller is configured to output control data for selectively operating the first and/or second actuator to move the end effector along a pre-determined path across the elevated surface.

21. A platform system according to claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the position of the proximal end, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust the control data based on the position of the proximal end so as to maintain the predetermined path across the elevated surface as the proximal end moves over the lower surface.

22. A kit of parts for a platform system according to any of claims 11 to 21 , the kit of parts comprising: a platform according to any of claims 1 to 10, and a mast for use in the platform system according to any of claims 11 to 21.

23. A kit of parts for a platform system according to claim 22 comprising an elongate member for use in the platform system according to any of claims 11 to 21.