SoftBank Robotics Group Corp. First Launches beyond Japan

Entering Hong Kong and Macau with AI Commercial Vacuum Cleaner 'Whiz'

HONG KONG, Sept. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 17^th September to 16^th 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/https://www.softbankrobotics.com/apac/ to submit a PoC trial application.

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.

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