China-made window cleaning robot wins customers

TAIYUAN — A window cleaning robot developed by a Chinese company in Shanxi province became an instant hit on a major global e-commerce platform last month. Shortly after its launch, the new electronic sensation sold out.

"We are expediting deliveries to meet the surging demand abroad," said Feng Fenfen, foreign trade manager of Shanxi Jiashida Robot Technology Co, developer of the robot.

The surge in popularity of intelligent cleaning devices is largely linked to the rising aspirations for a higher quality of life among consumers, according to Feng. However, with more people living in high-rises, cleaning exterior windows has become a challenge, and the advent of robots provides an intelligent solution.

Jiashida, a high-tech enterprise mainly engaged in the development of intelligent home cleaning robots, has obtained dozens of overseas and domestic patents for invention and design.

"Our window cleaning robots are not just popular in China, but have also been exported to more than 50 countries including Germany, France and Japan over the years, and are well received by overseas consumers," said Sun Xiaopu, deputy general manager of the company.

"The core components of our robots are all independently developed," added Pu Yong, the company research and development director.

The latest product, a rounded window cleaning robot, mimics manual wiping, which solves the problems of poor grip and low efficiency associated with traditional window cleaning robots, according to Pu.

Pu said the company is constantly upgrading its window cleaning robots, with three to four new products launched every year.

Sun said, "To better introduce our window cleaning robots to the overseas market, we actively participate in international exhibitions such as the China Import and Export Fair and the China International Fair for Trade in Services, inviting foreign merchants to see our products on site."

According to the deputy general manager, a German guest at an exhibition told him that it usually costs him $500 to hire a cleaner to clean windows. However, with a robot he can get it done for just over $200.

Feng said annual sales of the window cleaning robot have increased by more than 50 percent since entering the overseas market, and this year's overseas sales are expected to top 60,000.

On Amazon.com, a US consumer commented: "I have wanted a window cleaning robot since I first heard about them. It's fun to not be cleaning the window and watch the window getting clean, with no step stools, chairs or ladders."

Sun said, "We will continue to innovate and develop better products, and engage with the international market to make window cleaning robots a new name card of Chinese intelligent manufacturing".

Xinhua