White giant Haier teamed up with Softbank to enter the field of service robots
Haier Group has announced a strategic partnership with SoftBank Robot Holdings, aiming to expand the Chinese service robot market by leveraging SoftBank’s humanoid robot, Pepper. This collaboration marks a significant step in integrating advanced robotics into everyday life and commercial environments.
SoftBank Robots is a global leader in the development of humanoid robots, with its products like Pepper and NAO already deployed in over 70 countries. These robots have been used across various sectors, including retail, finance, healthcare, and hospitality, delivering innovative and interactive services. By joining forces with Haier, one of China’s leading home appliance manufacturers, the two companies aim to combine their strengths and drive forward the development of the service robot industry.
According to Haier officials, this partnership will accelerate the growth of the service robot sector in two key ways. First, Haier will open up its industrial chain resources to create a collaborative ecosystem that supports faster innovation and development. Second, the service robot strategy complements and enhances Haier’s smart home vision, reinforcing its position as a top platform in the smart living space.
Industry experts note that while China has become the world's largest market for robotic applications, the overall penetration rate of robots remains low. There is still a need for more leading brands and better alignment between product innovations and user demands. Most existing service robots are limited to single-function tasks, such as cleaning or delivery, which restricts their broader adoption.
In response, Haier and SoftBank are focusing on smart homes first, aiming to integrate service robots into three core areas: interoperability, usability, and mobility. This approach will allow robots like Pepper to seamlessly fit into smart homes, smart stores, and other connected ecosystems, offering consumers an immersive and intelligent experience.
At the event, Haier showcased how Pepper can interact with various smart home devices. For example, in a smart bathroom, it can communicate with the water heater to prepare hot water automatically. In the living room, it can monitor indoor air quality and adjust the “home mode†accordingly. In the kitchen, it can connect with ovens and range hoods to enhance the cooking experience.
Beyond the home, Pepper also plays a valuable role in Haier’s smart stores. As an interpreter, it can guide customers through product features and demonstrate appliances via the U+ system. As a helper, it can collect customer feedback, assist in sales tracking, and provide insights to store operators.
This collaboration highlights Haier’s vision of creating service robots that deeply integrate into both daily life and business environments—going beyond traditional single-task robots to deliver a comprehensive, scene-based smart experience.
72V Battery Pack ,Lithium Ion Battery Pack,Lithium Battery Pack,Battery Power Pack
Zhejiang Casnovo Materials Co., Ltd. , https://www.casnovonewenergy.com