White giant Haier teamed up with Softbank to enter the field of service robots
Haier Group has announced a strategic collaboration with SoftBank Robot Holdings, aiming to leverage the humanoid robot "Pepper" in expanding its presence in the Chinese service robot market. This partnership is expected to bring together the strengths of both companies, enhancing innovation and service delivery across various sectors.
SoftBank Robots has established itself as a global leader in humanoid robotics, with its robots Pepper and NAO deployed in over 70 countries. These robots have been successfully used in retail, finance, healthcare, travel, and other service industries, offering unique and engaging experiences. By combining Haier’s industry expertise with SoftBank's advanced robotic technology, the collaboration aims to drive the development of the service robot sector and create new opportunities for smart solutions.
According to Haier officials, this move will accelerate two key transformations in the service robot industry. First, it will foster greater synergy by integrating resources across the supply chain, promoting faster growth. Second, it aligns with Haier’s smart home strategy, extending its vision for intelligent living and reinforcing its position as a leading smart home platform.
Industry experts note that while China has become the world’s largest market for robotics, the penetration of robots remains relatively low. Despite rapid growth, most robotic applications are still limited to single-function products like vacuum cleaners or drones. Many areas still face challenges in matching product innovation with user demand.
To address these issues, the Haier-SoftBank partnership will initially focus on smart homes, aiming to improve interoperability, usability, and mobility of service robots. This integration will allow robots to seamlessly fit into smart homes, stores, and other environments, delivering a more immersive and connected experience for users.
At the event, Haier showcased how "Pepper" can interact with various smart devices. For example, in a smart bathroom, it can preheat water; in a smart living room, it can monitor environmental conditions and adjust settings accordingly. In the kitchen, it can communicate with ovens and range hoods, making daily tasks more convenient.
Beyond the home, "Pepper" also plays a role in smart stores. It can act as an interpreter, guiding customers through product features, demonstrating appliances via the U+ system, and even collecting feedback or assisting with sales tracking. This versatility makes it a valuable asset in both personal and commercial settings.
Compared to many single-purpose robots, Haier’s approach emphasizes deep integration with real-life and business scenarios, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and seamless smart experience. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the evolution of service robotics.
24V Battery Pack ,Large Battery Pack,24 V Battery Pack,24V Lithium Ion Battery Pack
Zhejiang Casnovo Materials Co., Ltd. , https://www.casnovonewenergy.com