DJI Matrice 350 RTK for professional cleaning: Demystifying the critics and proving its effectiveness

Cleaning surfaces at height represents a major challenge for professionals in the sector. Expensive scaffolding, risk of accidents, difficult access, long intervention times… These constraints weigh heavily on the profitability and safety of operations. In the face of these challenges, technological innovation offers a concrete and effective response.

The DJI Matrice 350 RTK combined with the Pliabot® Orion AP3-P3 cleaning system is radically transforming the approach to professional cleaning. And yet, like all disruptive innovations, this solution is the subject of criticism and skepticism, particularly from those attached to traditional methods.

In this article, we will objectively examine the main criticisms levelled at this technology and respond with concrete facts, verifiable technical data and results observed in the field.

Competitors’ criticism of cleaning drones: myth or reality?

The professional cleaning sector, like many technical fields, can sometimes resist change. Proven methods are tried and tested, and the introduction of new technologies naturally raises legitimate questions about their efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Here are the main criticisms we regularly hear about the use of drones for professional cleaning, and more specifically about the DJI Matrice 350 RTK.

“Drones don’t have enough autonomy for professional missions”

This criticism is probably the most frequent, and was perfectly justified for previous generations of drones. However, the DJI Matrice 350 RTK represents a significant advance in autonomy, thanks to its TB65 dual-battery system.

Under real-life conditions, each battery provides 25 to 30 minutes of autonomy, enabling effective treatment of up to 400 m² of surface per flight. The complete kit, including six TB65 batteries, therefore enables a series of missions to be carried out without significant interruption, for a potential coverage of 2,400 m² per day.

According to feedback from our professional users, this autonomy is more than sufficient to treat 4 to 5 standard residential roofs in a single day, which was unthinkable with previous methods.

An independent study of DJI battery performance confirms that TB65 batteries maintain over 90% of their capacity after 400 charge cycles, guaranteeing exceptional investment durability.

“The cleaning pressure is insufficient for professional results”.

The Pliabot® Orion AP3-P3 system can operate at pressures of up to 200 bar (20 MPa) at the pump outlet. This pressure, combined with specially designed nozzles to optimize jet efficiency, effectively removes moss, lichen and other stubborn dirt that accumulates on roofs and solar panels.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not so much the raw pressure that determines cleaning efficiency, but rather the combination of several factors: pressure, water flow rate, application distance and the type of nozzle used. The Pliabot® system has been specifically designed to optimize these parameters for airborne use.

The system’s ability to treat up to 800 m² per hour is not just a marketing claim, but a figure verified in real-life conditions. By way of comparison, a technician using a conventional high-pressure cleaner from a cherry picker or scaffolding treats an average of 100 to 150 m² per hour.

“Drones are not stable enough for precise cleaning”

Stability is indeed a critical factor in ensuring the effectiveness of drone cleaning. This is precisely where the DJI Matrice 350 RTK stands out from its competitors, thanks to its RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) technology.

This advanced navigation system ensures centimeter-precision positioning, even in windy conditions at speeds of up to 12 m/s (43 km/h). The drone’s four rotors, combined with sophisticated stabilization algorithms, keep it perfectly stable during cleaning operations.

Industry professionals who have seen the drone in action during our demonstrations are generally impressed by its stability, even in difficult conditions. This exceptional stability is a key factor in guaranteeing uniform, efficient cleaning.

To find out more about RTK technology and its applications in the field of professional drones, read our detailed article on the subject.

“Drones can’t withstand water splashes”.

This criticism could apply to many consumer drones, but certainly not to the DJI Matrice 350 RTK.

This professional drone boasts IP55 certification, guaranteeing the double protection essential for cleaning operations:

• The first number (5) indicates effective dust protection
• The second number (5) ensures resistance to water jets from all directions

This certification enables the drone to operate safely even when exposed to the water splashes inherent in cleaning operations. What’s more, the DJI Matrice 350 RTK is designed with corrosion-resistant materials and fully insulated electronic components.

For total peace of mind, the DJI Care Basic program is included as standard with your DJI Matrice 350 RTK. This premium protection even covers water damage inside the drone, with a reasonable deductible of €699 per replacement (well below the cost of a new drone).

Case studies: the DJI Matrice 350 RTK in action

Beyond technical specifications and theoretical arguments, it’s concrete results in the field that truly demonstrate the effectiveness of a solution. Here are a few real-life examples of how the DJI Matrice 350 RTK is used in professional cleaning.

Case study: Cleaning 1500 m² of roof in one day

In October 2024, a professional cleaning company was commissioned to clean the roof of a shopping center in Antwerp. The total surface to be treated was 1,500 m², with a heavy build-up of moss and lichen due to years of neglect.

The challenge was twofold: to carry out the operation quickly to limit disruption to businesses, and to intervene without damaging the numerous pieces of technical equipment on the roof (air-conditioning units, ventilation systems, antennas).

The team used the DJI Matrice 350 RTK with the Pliabot® Orion AP3-P3 system for this operation. Here are the results:

• Total intervention time: 7 hours (including installation and storage of equipment)
• Surface area treated: 1500 m²
• Personnel mobilized: 2 technicians (one pilot and one operator for water supply management)
• Water consumption: 1200 liters
• Products used: Biodegradable cleaner with low environmental impact

According to observations by professionals in the sector, a similar intervention using traditional methods would have required three days’ intervention, the installation of scaffolding and the mobilization of 4 technicians. The use of a drone has considerably reduced intervention time and disruption to businesses, while delivering impeccable results and a saving of 40% on the cost of a traditional intervention.

Photovoltaic panel maintenance: proven yield improvement

The accumulation of dust, pollen, bird droppings and other dirt on photovoltaic panels can reduce their yield by 15 to 30%, according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Regular cleaning is therefore essential to maintain optimal system performance.

Industry professionals regularly report significant yield improvements after cleaning solar panels with the DJI Matrice 350 RTK. In one documented case, an installation of 200 photovoltaic panels on the roof of an industrial building saw its average production rise from 68 kWh per day to 89 kWh per day after cleaning, an improvement of 30.8%.

The intervention took a total of 4 hours, with a two-person team. The cost of the operation was recouped in less than 3 months thanks to the increase in electricity production.

Industry specialists confirm that the use of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK enables access to previously difficult-to-maintain installations, offering a complete service to all customers, whatever the configuration of their installation.

Economic comparison with traditional methods

To objectively assess the cost-effectiveness of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK, we carried out a detailed comparative analysis of the costs associated with different methods of cleaning at height. The table below shows the results for a typical intervention on a 500 m² roof:

Criteria	Scaffolding	Aerial work platform	DJI Matrice 350 RTK
Installation time	4-6 hours	1 hour	15 minutes
Intervention time	6-8 hours	4-5 hours	1-2 hours
Necessary personnel	3-4 people	2 persons	2 persons
Material cost	350-500 €/day	250-400 €/day	Amortized over 2 years
Cost of labor	1200-1600 €	640-800 €	320-400 €
Total cost of intervention	1550-2100 €	890-1200 €	320-400 €
Accident risk	High	Medium	Very low

This analysis shows that using the DJI Matrice 350 RTK reduces intervention costs by 55% to 80% compared with traditional methods, while considerably reducing the risk of work-related accidents.

On the basis of regular use (8 to 10 operations per month), the return on investment of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK is generally achieved in 12 to 18 months, making it an economically sound choice for cleaning professionals.

Exclusive Benelux availability: what you need to know

We regularly receive requests from French professionals interested in our drone cleaning solution. It is important to clarify the situation regarding the availability of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK and the Pliabot® Orion AP3-P3 system.

Why limited distribution in Benelux?

Drone Parts Center is an official DJI Enterprise reseller for the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg). This status enables us to offer our customers :

• Local technical support
• Comprehensive operator training adapted to local regulations
• Responsive after-sales service with short response times
• Full warranty including DJI Care Basic
• A permanent stock of spare parts and accessories

This territorial exclusivity enables us to maintain an optimum level of service for our Benelux customers. To find out more about our company and our commitments, please visit our contact page.

Options for interested French customers

If you are based in France and interested in the DJI Matrice 350 RTK, you have several options:

1. To purchase the DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone: We recommend that you contact an official DJI Enterprise dealer in France. The full list is available on the official DJI website.
2. For the Pliabot® Orion AP3-P3 cleaning system: This system can be purchased separately from our website and shipped to France. Click here to go to the product page.
3. For the Kronos M350 parachute: This component is also available for separate purchase and can be shipped within France.

We can also help you set up your system in the best possible way, and advise you on which accessories are compatible with your DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone purchased in France.

Exclusive associated services for Benelux customers

Benelux customers benefit from exclusive services that maximize the value of their investment:

• Full operator training: 1/2 day training covering all aspects of drone and cleaning system use, as well as country-specific regulatory aspects.
• Dedicated technical support: A direct telephone line for rapid resolution of any technical problem.
• On-site demonstrations: We can organize a free on-site demonstration to give you a concrete idea of the system’s performance.
• Preventive maintenance: A regular maintenance program to ensure optimum performance of your equipment.
• Administrative : The creation of an operating manual for your operations.

For more information on our services, visit our dedicated page.

Investing in the DJI Matrice 350 RTK: a strategic choice for your company

Beyond the technical and economic aspects, the acquisition of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK represents a strategic choice for companies wishing to stand out in a competitive sector.

Return on investment analysis

Based on data collected from professional users of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK, we have established the following calculation for a company carrying out 8 operations per month:

• Initial investment: €25,000 (drone, cleaning system, training, accessories)
• Average savings per intervention: €600 (compared with traditional methods)
• Monthly savings: €4,800 (8 interventions)
• Break-even point: reached after 5.2 months of use
• Savings over 2 years: €90,200 (after deducting maintenance and consumables costs)

These figures demonstrate the exceptional profitability of this investment, with a rapid return on investment and substantial savings in the medium term.

Stand out from the competition through innovation

The adoption of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK allows cleaning companies to significantly differentiate themselves in their market:

• Ability to treat surfaces inaccessible to traditional methods
• Reduced response times, enabling rapid response to urgent requests
• Reduced environmental impact (reduced water consumption, use of biodegradable products)
• Innovative, technological image, enhancing the company’s image
• Opportunity to offer new, high value-added services

Companies that have adopted this technology generally report a significant increase in their order book, and attract a premium clientele that values innovation and efficiency.

How do I get started with the DJI Matrice 350 RTK?

If you are convinced by the benefits of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK for your professional activity, here are the steps to get started:

Acquisition process and training

1. Initial consultation: Our experts analyze your specific needs and propose the optimum configuration.
2. Demonstration: We’ll organize an on-site demonstration to give you a concrete idea of the system’s performance.
3. Acquisition: We support you through the purchasing process and the preparation of the necessary administrative documents.
4. Training: Our partner provides comprehensive training for your operators, covering all technical and regulatory aspects.
5. Follow-up: Personalized support during the first few weeks of use to ensure you get the most out of your system.

For more information on the training program, please consult our partner drone school.

Free demo for Benelux professionals

We are offering Benelux professionals a free demonstration of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK and the Pliabot® Orion AP3-P3 system. This personalized session allows you to :

• Watch the drone in action under real-life conditions
• Evaluate cleaning quality on different surfaces
• Ask our experts all your technical questions
• Handle equipment under the supervision of our trainers
• Get a customized ROI analysis for your business

The professionals who have taken part in our demonstrations generally confirm that seeing the drone in action on their own site has given them a concrete understanding of how this technology can transform their business.

To book your free demonstration, contact us directly or fill in our online form.

Conclusion: beyond criticism, proven effectiveness

The DJI Matrice 350 RTK combined with the Pliabot® Orion AP3-P3 cleaning system represents a veritable revolution in the field of professional cleaning at height. Far from being criticized by advocates of traditional methods, this solution proves its effectiveness in the field every day.

The key advantages of this technology are undeniable:

• Sufficient autonomy for intensive professional operations
• Optimum cleaning pressure for impeccable results
• Exceptional stability thanks to RTK technology
• Splash-proof with IP55 certification
• Proven profitability with rapid return on investment
• Increased safety for operators
• Reduced environmental impact

Available exclusively to professionals in the Benelux, the DJI Matrice 350 RTK is the essential tool for companies wishing to optimize their high-level cleaning operations and stand out in a competitive market.

Ready to transform your professional cleaning business? Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements or book a free on-site demonstration.