SoftBank Robotics agrees strategic partnerships with cleaning providers across Europe

SoftBank Robotics EMEA has signed a series of new strategic partnerships with leading cleaning solutions providers across Europe, in response to increased demand for Whiz, Europe’s first industrial cobotic vacuum sweeper.

Under the agreement, partners will be able to offer Whiz to their facility management and cleaning contractor clients with immediate effect.

SoftBank Robotics has confirmed five new partnerships with Hako Machines Ltd and Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies (BCHA) in the UK market, BOMArobotics in France and Benelux, Autoclean AS in Norway, and OrboTech in Sweden and Finland. A further strategic partnership to cover Germany is also expected to be announced soon.

Whiz is a simple to use and reliable self-driving cleaning solution designed for vacuuming. It works alongside commercial cleaning teams, taking over repetitive, heavy-duty vacuuming of large areas of flooring, and freeing up workers to focus on high value tasks which make a real difference to service delivery and client satisfaction. For example, the sanitisation of hard surfaces, such as door handles and lift buttons, which is critical in preventing the transmission of Covid-19.

Based on sales, Whiz is the world’s number one professional autonomous cleaning robot with more than 16,000 units now in operation globally.

Nils J.van der Zijl, VP Sales & Marketing at SoftBank Robotics EMEA, said: “We’ve experienced a 200 per cent increase in demand for Whiz in most European markets since the start of the year, as contractors look for innovative solutions and new approaches to combat the ongoing pandemic. There is immense pressure on FM and cleaning contractors to improve hygiene standards and drive confidence in the safety of buildings, amongst both workers and customers. This will be absolutely critical to kickstarting economies all over Europe when the latest lockdown restrictions are eased.
 
“We’re already seeing the difference that Whiz can deliver to contractors, freeing up cleaning staff to focus on high-traffic, high-touch areas, and picking up the slack when team members are absent. And we’re now delighted to be working with innovation-driven partners around Europe who share our commitment to delivering business value to their clients during these tumultuous times.”