Robotic vacuum cleaners

	The ZW1400-983 model from mainland China’s Yuyao Fuming comes with a 1,200 or 1,400W motor, and incorporates a HEPA filter.

The latest releases utilize high-powered motors, and HEPA and active carbon filters. Some boast specialized brushes.

Suppliers in mainland China and Taiwan are increasing their output of vacuum cleaners with better cleaning capability.

The use of high-powered motors is a trend in the mainland. These components can reach 1,800W, although versions between 150 and 220W are still seen. As a result, models have an airflow ranging from 1.6 to 2.2m3/min.

In addition, various filters are being included for greater dirt-catching ability. The HEPA type, which may obviate the inclusion of dust bags, is among the most popular.Woven PE and active carbon filters may be incorporated as well.

The mainland’s products usually come with several kinds of brushes optimized for cleaning a specific surface material.

Many Taiwan-based suppliers offer vacuum cleaners that perform the cyclonic method of separating dirt from suctioned air. Such models do not require the use of traditional dust bags. Some augment this with HEPA or active carbon filters.

The latest releases from suppliers on the island also have specialized parts that enhance cleaning. These include brushes for floor crevices, and versions meant for carpets and tapestries.

Models also have housings made of sound-insulating plastic and sealed motors for less operating noise. Most generate 72 or 73dB, which is below the 82dB standard.

Bagless releases from Foshan Shunde Augewei Electric Appliance Co. Ltd produce 1,800W of power and boast systems that combine a water tank with a HEPA filter. This cleaning method ensures no dust is present in the air vented back.

The company’s bagged versions also feature a high power rating. Both types may incorporate handle-mounted controls to facilitate operation.

The popular vacuum cleaners from the mainland are equipped with five or six filter layers. These may include the nonwoven fabric and washable H12 HEPA types, and dust bags.

J&R Electronics Co. Ltd’s models have a 5-layer PET filtration system that allows use up to 1,000 times without replacement. Mediums that perform sterilization can be utilized as well. Some releases employ the cyclonic method.

At J&R, robotic products incorporate dust cups in place of the typical bag. Woven PE filters and a layer of active carbon are usually incorporated. The capability to generate UV light is optional.

Similarly, Goldluck Electronic Co. has developed autonomous vacuum cleaners for carpets or wooden floors. These feature an IC that allows following the perimeter of a wall or the execution of a spiral route. The latter mode is facilitated by built-in sensors with a range of 1m.

The company’s robotic models boast improved constructions and cleaning procedures for superior performance. Examples are S-shaped screw brushes and a soft plastic layer that holds dust down during suction.

Autonomous-operation releases from Goldluck can detect and avoid stair edges. Manual override is possible through an included remote control.

Compared with traditional DC portable products, which can be operated for up to 15 minutes on a full charge, robotic versions can run continuously for one hour. Some are equipped with timers that allow automatic operation after four hours of charging.

Most of the mainland’s vacuum cleaners have content capacity indicators, auto cord winders, 360-degree swivel hoses, LEDs, and stepless or 4-step speed controls.

The R&D efforts for upcoming models involve specialized releases, lower operating noise, and accessories such as hoses, tube holders and brushes for greater convenience.

At Yuyao Fuming, upcoming products will combine the structures of portableand upright versions while boasting a power rating of 1,000W or higher.

Goldluck plans to offer robotic vacuum cleaners with integrated dusting cloths that will be able to wipe and sweep simultaneously.

Models from the mainland come in a variety of configurations, including the cylinder, canister, upright and portable types. These may be either bagged or bagless. The former is equipped with cloth or paper bags, while the latter usually has a dust barrel.

Additionally, output of wet-and-dry releases is increasing as a response to growing demand. Water-resistant motors, and a barrel for waste liquid and dust are utilized.

Products meet CE, GS, EMC, UL and RoHS standards, and are tested by third-party organizations such as TÜV, SGS and Intertek.

While local ABS is commonly used, some upscale versions incorporate imported materials. The latter type has higher gloss, fluidity, rigidity and scratch resistance.

HEPA filters and motors are purchased from specialists located in the Pearl River Delta region. Foshan Shunde Augewei assembles most of its motors in-house, but also sources select components domestically.

Coloring is done mainly through injection or spray-painting.

Due to factors such as rising material and labor costs, and the revaluation of the yuan, all mainland companies interviewed for this report plan to increase prices by 5 to 10 percent in the next 12 months. Most suppliers have also shortened the validity period of their quotes from four months to two weeks.

Further, makers are shifting their focus to markets that offer the best profitability. Yuyao Fuming, for example, now exports vacuum cleaners only to the EU and the Middle East. These are RoHS-compliant, and bear the GS and CE marks. The UL listing required by the US is said to be prohibitive costwise.

ODM and OEM orders dominate overseas shipments. Goldluck, however, exports 5 percent of output under the in-house KV8 brand.

Taiwan suppliers are offering vacuum cleaners that combine improved performance with ease of use. Matsutek Enterprises Co. Ltd’s V-bot line of robotic products, for example, employs brushes that enhance cleaning capability. Software that enables cleaning of either general or specified areas is included.

Autonomous-operation models from this company are equipped with sensors that prevent bumping into walls or falling off stairs. Matsutek specializes in the low-end robotic segment, pricing its versions at half the quotes of Western makers.

Wet-and-dry releases are also gaining ground. Shivn Feng Enterprise Co. Ltd’s HF-3669 model is a triple-action vacuum cleaner that can be used to suction dust and liquid in addition to drying wet surfaces.

The product adopts several filtration methods. Instead of employing a bag, collected debris is stored in a liquid-holding container that prevents dust from becoming airborne.

While specializing in large releases for industrial use, Jji Kae Enterprise Co. Ltd is also developing household versions that can perform wet-and-dry cleaning. The company’s 3223 model, which has such capability, comes with a drum capacity of 10L.

The suction power of Taiwan’s vacuum cleaners is generally between 15 and 30 percent of the energy utilized. Many of the latest wet-and-dry products from Align Corp. Ltd have 800W of power and 120W of suction. The BB03002 model, which is for use on dry surfaces only, has a suction efficiency of 27 percent.

Releases also employ attachments that enhance the cleaning capability. Some new versions are equipped with brushes optimized for crevices between floor tiles, and components meant for carpets and tapestries.

Most suppliers are moving their facilities to the mainland, where costs are lower. While components are sourced primarily from specialists on the island, makers such as Jji Kae and Matsutek assemble their own motors in-house. Disposable accessories, including filters, are usually purchased from 3M.

Canister products dominate Taiwan’s exports. Upright models have the next-biggest share. Prices range from $60 to $300, with midrange versions about $100 per unit.

According to Taiwan’s Directorate General of Customs, the 2007 export value of household vacuum cleaners was $9 million, a decrease of 10 percent from the previous year. The US and Asia are the major overseas markets.