SoftBank Robotics Group Corp. (“SBRG”) today announced the launch of ‘Whiz’, the
exciting new AI enabled vacuum-cleaning robot, to commercial customers on trial and
subscription basis in Hong Kong and Macau, bringing the smart device beyond the
country.
SBRG has been innovating in the robotics industry. Whiz is designed to optimize
workflows in the cleaning industry and improve productivity. It works best on carpets and
hard flooring.
“In cosmopolitan cities like Hong Kong and Macau, we believe the introduction of Whiz
will significantly boost operational productivity at commercial premises, and enhance
cleaning performance for customers over the long run.” said Kenichi Yoshida, Chief
Business Officer at SBRG.
Whiz can record up to 600 cleaning routes, for which janitors can perform the initial floor
cleaning with Whiz on the first day, and subsequently those routes would be stored in
Whiz, so that it can clean the area autonomously on its own. Instructions are simple to
follow and easy to use.
With its small-built and multiple collision detectors, Whiz can navigate its way close to
walls and avoid obstacles with the on-board BrainOS which helps to determine the best
route given the surrounding environment, and the notification pager can send real-time
alerts in case of any unexpected issues. It can clean an area up to 1,500sqm, the size of
3 basketball courts, for 3 hours on a 4 hours battery charge.
Whiz also comes with a smartphone app “Whiz Connect”. Together with cloud data
visualization, cleaning reports, status reports on Whiz can be gathered and analyzed.
SoftBank Robotics is working with Intelligent Cleaning Equipment (“ICE”), the exclusive
master distributor in Hong Kong and Macau to bring Whiz to its first two market outside
Japan. ICE is a leading global provider of professional cleaning equipment, focused on
developing and deploying new technologies with its deep industry knowledge and
experience.
“We are excited to embark on this strategic collaboration with ICE to accelerate the
cleaning industry’s transition to the next stage of technology empowering people.” said
Kenichi.
“As a leading global provider of professional cleaning equipment, we are delighted to
partner with SoftBank Robotics Group Corp. to launch Whiz in Hong Kong and Macau.
We will support Whiz through a subscription model that will revolutionize the cleaning
industry practice in this region. Through the cooperation with SoftBank Robotics Group
Corp., we look forward to connecting with Proof of Concept customers,” said Simon Chen,
the CEO of ICE.
Whiz will be offered as a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) monthly subscription model priced
HKD3,980 per unit/month.
From 17th September to 16th October, SBRG and ICE will offer customers in Hong Kong
and Macau a free Proof of Concept (PoC) trial of Whiz up to three days. To register their
interest, companies can visit https://www.softbankrobotics.com/apac/ to submit a PoC
trial application.
-End-
About SoftBank Robotics Group Corp.
SoftBank Robotics is driving technology forward by becoming a worldwide leader in
robotics solutions. Rapidly expanding with over 500 employees working in Tokyo, Paris,
San Francisco, Boston and Shanghai SoftBank Robotics is constantly exploring and
commercializing all robotics solutions that help make people’s lives easier, safer, more
connected, and more extraordinary. There are currently over 25 000 SoftBank Robotics
robots, Pepper and NAO, used in more than 70 countries worldwide and offer innovative
applications relevant for the fields of retail, tourism, healthcare, finance and education.
For media enquiries：
SoftBank Robotics Group Corp.
General
Email：SBRGRP-PR@g.softbank.co.jp
MSL Group
Miuson Chi
Email: miuson.chi@mslgroup.com
