Illustration: Liu Xidan/GT
In the realm of household chores, an activity as seemingly mundane as sweeping is undergoing a revolution, thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with home appliances. This burgeoning sector - sweeping robots, where innovation meets daily requirements - is witnessing fierce competition. According to a report released by IDC on Monday, China's Roborock has surpassed US home robot producer iRobot for the first time in terms of shipment volume, leading the global market in both sales quantity and sales revenue in 2024.
Although humanoid robots have recently become a hot topic, the reality of these advanced machines becoming commonplace in households and taking over domestic chores is still a distant prospect. Before we reach that milestone, the explosive growth of the sweeping robot sector serves as a fascinating lens through which to observe the integration of AI with home appliances.
Zhao Siquan, senior analyst of IDC China, believes that this year, the global sweeping robot market will undergo a transformative upgrade, leveraging breakthroughs in humanoid robot navigation algorithms and motion control technologies. This advancement will be further propelled by the deep integration of large-scale AI models with 3D visual perception capabilities, enabling a more efficient adaptation to complex environments and the construction of an intelligent cleaning decision-making system.
As the technological landscape evolves, demand within this sector is experiencing rapid expansion. The market is poised to be colossal. While the potential market size for humanoid robots and other advanced machines remains a subject of speculation, the tangible growth observed in the sweeping robot sector offers a glimpse into the expansive market opportunities and potential that smart industrial products hold. This burgeoning interest is not merely a testament to consumer fascination with novel technology but a clear indicator of a broader shift toward automation and smart living solutions.
According to data from IDC, shipments in the global smart sweeping robot market hit 20.603 million units in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 11.2 percent. The annual sales revenue reached $9.31 billion, up 19.7 percent from the previous year.
In this rapidly growing market, the challenge for nations worldwide is not just to keep pace with technological advancements but also to adeptly convert their citizens' demand for new technologies into tangible market growth, thereby generating new consumer growth. This endeavor, which involves fostering emerging domains for consumer spending, is becoming increasingly critical. According to data from IDC, China is performing well in this regard. In 2024, the country's shipments of sweeping robots reached 5.389 million units, a 6.7 percent year-over-year increase. Notably, the fourth quarter of 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge, with shipments soaring to 1.75 million units, a 28.2 percent increase year-on-year, buoyed by multiple factors including favorable government policies.
In mature markets, the demand for new home appliances has traditionally been somewhat limited, primarily driven by the replacement of old devices, which often have a long lifespan. However, this dynamic is poised for change as the deep integration of AI technology transforms appliances from mere functional devices to intelligent entities. The rapid iteration of smart home appliances is continually generating new demand, potentially spurring overall growth in appliance demand and presenting fresh opportunities for the industry. According to a report by the Xinhua News Agency, in 2024, retail sales of home appliances in China spurred by its policy-backed trade-in program reached a new high. This is a positive signal.
Expanding the market demands a comprehensive approach. Economically, it requires manufacturers to continuously lower prices while enhancing quality, thus broadening access for a wider array of consumers and expanding the overall market share. Simultaneously, the acceleration of product innovation and the rapid introduction of new products are crucial for increasing product turnover and stimulating effective demand.
To meet these goals, market competition is essential. China has been steadfast in promoting high-level market openness. Within its borders, consumers can purchase sweeping robots from iRobot among others, yet the competition is intense, spanning both domestic and international manufacturers, as well as among Chinese brands themselves. This intense competition drives manufacturers to persistently innovate and seek the most cost-efficient solutions. This dynamic environment may well explain why China has managed to swiftly grow its sweeping robot market, fostering opportunities for manufacturers worldwide, while brands like Roborock achieve global leadership.
The author is a reporter with the Global Times. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn
