Ecovacs Robotics (Chinese: 科沃斯; pinyin: Kēwòsī) is a Chinese technology company.[2] It is best known for developing in-home robotic appliances.[3] The company was founded in 1998 by Qian Dongqi and is headquartered in Suzhou, China. According to Global Asia, Ecovacs Robotics had more than 60% of the Chinese market for robots by 2013.[4] In 2023, Nikkei Asia had reported that the market capitalisation of Ecovacs Robotics has grown to near $6.38 billion, which is "roughly 5 times" that of the market capitalisation of rivalling US based iRobot, who manufactures the Roomba.[5]
History
Ecovacs Robotics at CES 2012
In 1998, Qian Dongqi founded Ecovacs Robotics as an original equipment manufacturer for vacuum cleaners under the name TEK Electrical Company.[4] The company rebranded in late 2006 as an independent manufacturer of robotic devices for home cleaning.[6] By 2007, Ecovacs Robotics had introduced its floor cleaning Deebot series.[7] The product was featured and had a recurring role on Real World: Skeletons in 2015.[6]
From 2012 to 2014, Ecovacs Robotics expanded its operations with offices in the United States, Germany and Japan.[8] The company also introduced products for mobile entertainment and security, air purification and window cleaning.[9] Ecovacs Robotics collaborated and partnered with Marvel Entertainment for limited edition themed Deebots to coincide with the release of Captain America: Civil War.
Products
It produces the DEEBOT, a floor cleaning robot, ATMOBOT, an air purifying robot and WINBOT, a window cleaning robot.[10][11]
Deebot is a floor cleaning vacuum, which uses smart motion technology that guides the robot which can vacuum and wet mop floors. The Deebot has anti-drop and anti-collision sensors to navigate around objects for cleaning.[12][13] Winbot is a window cleaning robot which debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.[14] It suctions onto a vertical glass surface and cleans using microfiber pads and a squeegee.[15][16] Ecovacs featured BENEBOT, a shopping assist robot, at the Consumer Electronics Show.[17] In August 2016, Ecovacs released the UNIBOT, a smart robot with floor cleaning, home monitoring and air-purifying features.[18] In 2021, Ecovacs release the DEEBOT T9+, a robotic vacuum which uses obstacle avoidance technology to avoid objects when cleaning, it also comes complete with an auto-empty station. The DEEBOT T9+ also includes OZMO 2.0 technology which operates a vibrating mop along with an airfresher (scent: wild bluebell).
Ecovacs Robotics sells cordless stick vacuums under the brand Tineco.[19]
Recognition
The company was recognized by the Consumer Electronics Show for its solar panel cleaning robot, receiving the 2015 CES Innovation Award.[20][21]
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