Apellix
Apellix is an American aerial robotics platform that sprays architectural coatings and performs exterior soft washing from tethered drones so crews keep lift crews on the ground while covering large facades, stadiums, and hard-to-access glazing.
Apellix groups its offer into wash systems, coating systems, and defense-oriented decon systems, with public performance claims such as about five thousand square feet per hour for cleaning flights and about three thousand square feet per hour for spray painting flights, subject to wind, chemistry, and substrate (Apellix, 2025).
The marketing story centers on replacing rope stages and lifts for certain facades where swing stages cannot land safely, while keeping operators on the deck with remote controls and training through Apellix Academy (Apellix, 2025). Use cases include commercial towers, stadiums, solar arrays, and coastal condos, with NDAA-oriented hardware called out for U.S. federal-style procurement rules (Apellix, 2025).
Battery swapping and multi-pack kits are described so teams can sustain all-day operations without long ground downtime between flights (Apellix, 2025). That matters for coating bids that must hit production rates without widening sidewalk closures.
Teams evaluating Apellix against traditional swing-stage painters should model weather holds, FAA Part 107 staffing, water containment for wash jobs, and coating vendor approval for airless-style delivery from drones.
Specifications
Pricing
Platforms
Used for
Used by
Tasks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Keeps most workers off ladders and swing stages for eligible facades
- Documented flight-time and throughput claims to size crews
- Long operating history relative to many drone startups
Cons
- Weather, NOTAM, and site geometry still gate whether a drone beats lifts
- Coating warranties may require manufacturer sign-off for spray method
- U.S. regulatory training and insurance add overhead
Key features
Coating and wash variants: Separate product lines for soft washing and for architectural coatings at height (Apellix, 2025).
Published throughput bands: Marketing cites hourly coverage bands for wash and paint missions to help estimate duration (Apellix, 2025).
Training included: Apellix Academy remote and hands-on training is bundled with hardware purchases (Apellix, 2025).
NDAA-focused hardware: A compliant drone model is advertised for agencies that require NDAA Sections 848 and 889 alignment (Apellix, 2025).
Field power strategy: Multiple batteries and chargers ship with systems to support extended operations (Apellix, 2025).
Pricing
Hardware and training package (quote)
Contact sales
Apellix sells capital equipment with bundled training. Public FAQs reference a customer who invested about sixty thousand dollars in one scenario; treat any figure as anecdotal and request a current quote.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can Apellix paint a building?
Apellix publishes an approximate three thousand square feet per hour figure for painting flights and a higher figure for washing. Real rates depend on wind, overspray control, masking, and product viscosity.
Do I need a pilot license?
Apellix states that U.S. commercial work requires an FAA Part 107 certificate for the remote pilot in command. The company includes training through Apellix Academy but you still need lawful certification and any local approvals.
Is Apellix NDAA compliant?
Apellix advertises an NDAA Sections 848 and 889 compliant model called Apellix Blue for customers that must meet those federal procurement clauses. Confirm paperwork with your legal team for each solicitation.
Can Apellix drones clean windows on high rises?
Marketing positions wash drones for commercial glazing, stadiums, and solar. Feasibility still depends on glass access, water recovery rules, and pedestrian safety plans at the sidewalk.
What industries does Apellix serve outside buildings?
Public pages highlight defense decontamination products separately from construction-facing wash and paint lines. Ask the vendor which division fits your use case.
Apellix vs swing stage painters for a mid-rise retrofit?
Drones can win when roof tie-offs are hard, sidewalks are tight, or schedule pressure is extreme. Swing stages still dominate many coating specs when inspectors want familiar containment. Compare on safety, containment, and unit productivity for your envelope.