Reference News Network, June 30 report: Japan's Asahi Shimbun published an article titled "Chinese Robot Vacuums Enter the Japanese Market" on June 28. The reporter is Ryo Tsuchiya, and the following is the translated report:
In the Japanese home robot vacuum market, competition between American and Chinese manufacturers is intensifying. Although for nearly 20 years, iRobot's flagship product, the Roomba robot vacuum, has maintained high popularity, Chinese companies are now gradually rising. Will Roomba's dominant position be shaken?
Roborock, a Chinese manufacturer, launched its top model robot vacuum at a new product launch event in Tokyo in late May. The suggested retail price is around 300,000 yen (approximately 14,736 yuan RMB - note from this site), with the host height controlled within 8 centimeters to easily clean narrow gaps under sofas.
The company's regional marketing director proudly stated that in the first quarter of 2025, Roborock's market share in Japan doubled.
Other Chinese companies are also increasing their efforts in the Japanese market. Originally producing for other companies, Ecovacs has now started producing its own brand, emphasizing strong suction power and efficient wet mopping functions. About 30 products sold by Ecovacs in the Chinese market have had half of them enter the Japanese market. The chairman of Ecovacs Japan said, "We are especially confident in the high cost-effectiveness of our high-end models."
Other Chinese manufacturers entering the Japanese market include Dyson and Xiaomi. The former has developed a new product that uses built-in biomimetic mechanical legs to cross indoor steps and other obstacles; the latter has developed a full range of home appliances that can be connected via smartphones.
A report by Euromonitor Consulting showed that although iRobot held a 70% market share in the Japanese robot vacuum market in 2024, Chinese main manufacturers continue to invest heavily in the Japanese market, relying on China's vast domestic market. Their R&D speed is extremely fast, and it is likely that they will continue to make progress in the Japanese market in the future.
In contrast, Japanese companies have seen their presence decline. After Toshiba and Sharp, Hitachi's robot vacuums were also discontinued in November 2024. Panasonic continues to sell robot vacuums, but there is no denying that compared to American and Chinese companies, its presence is increasingly fading.
Perhaps sensing the crisis, iRobot made a comprehensive adjustment to its product line in April this year to compete with Chinese companies. (Translated by Chen Xi)
On April 16, visitors learned about robot vacuum products at the Canton Fair. (Xinhua News Agency)
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7521613216124781094/
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