Ecovacs Robot Vacuum is enhancing life, one clean at a time.
According to ECOVACS ROBOTICS up to 80% of Kiwis aspire to own a robot vacuum. ECOVACS is one of the world’s most innovative companies of their kind; their newest product, the ECOVACS Deebot X1 Plus, is more than just a robot vacuum. It’s a smart multiple cleaning device.
Karen Powell, regional director, Ecovacs Australia and New Zealand, ECOVACS, tells Verve more.
Why are robot vacuums trending?
The segment is all about the notion that you are not cleaning. You don’t have to think about it. All you need do is set and forget. It’s one chore that’s off your plate.
What makes the ECOVACS Deebot X1 Plus special?
It’s incredibly smart, with the ability to get to know your home thanks to mapping functionality that’s so efficient it won’t clean the same area twice. It also creates 3D-maps so you can customise how it cleans – if you want it to clean under the sofa, it will.
How does the Deebot X1 Plus recognise the sofa and avoid objects?
Through obstacle avoidance technology powered by artificial intelligence with visual interpretation. It knows more than 18 types of objects and, once it recognises something is in front of it, works to move around it. Furthermore, once these objects are removed from the floor, you can send the DEEBOT back to clean the areas it couldn’t before. It’s similar technology to self-driving cars. It also knows it can get close to big objects but avoid smaller things like Lego pieces so as not to suck them up.
What else can consumers expect from the Deebot X1 Plus?
Its 5,000pa suction is up at the top level. Your carpet will look so beautiful it will be as if a professional cleaner has been around! The machine has two little side brushes which pick up bits and pieces, and a main floating brush that catches all the dirt and debris, even when the floor is uneven.
Can you tell us more about its mopping function?
On the back is the OZMO™ Pro 3.0 Oscillating Mopping System which vibrates up to 600 times a minute. As the Deebot passes over, it identifies stains and seeps out just enough water to effectively clean and remove them. The floor does not get soaked, just wet enough for a really good mop that picks up 99% of bacteria. It also cleans the mop itself and refills the water in the tank.
What about the cleaned-up debris and dust?
In the charging box there’s an auto empty station. So, it goes back and puts all the dust and debris from the dust bin into the dust bag. The dust bag holds 60 days’ worth of debris for an average-sized home before it needs to be changed. You don’t have to clean or touch it because the bag closes itself and notifies you when it needs changing. It’s also safe for those with allergies.
How about the set-up and control?
You download our app which is incredibly easy to navigate – it’s a very simple one-step process to connect to your network. Then the device is ready to run. You can control it through the map on the phone and we’ve also added a sound recognition intelligence – a voice assistant called Yiko that recognises 40 different commands. If you drop something, say, “Yiko come here,” and it will find you! Once you’ve experienced that kind of convenience, you can never go back.
Set and forget. It’s all you need to do!
You speak from experience?
Yes, it brings me so much joy to tell Yiko what to do! Even during a bad day, it’s one thing I can control. And since I got my dog, I appreciate it even more. The products change the life of everybody, but especially for people with pets and kids. They improve your wellbeing and give you a sense of calm, knowing that you have a clean home.
Apart from its functionalities, the design of the X1 is outstanding. Why did you collaborate with the renowned European design house Jacob Jensen?
We were very aware that design is incredibly important on a global level, including in New Zealand. According to our research, around 50% of people won’t buy a product, no matter how good it is, if they don’t like the look of it. With Jacob Jensen, you can’t go wrong, they’ve taken the design to the next level.
The ECOVACS robotic vacuum product range can be purchased in New Zealand at JB Hi-Fi, Noel Leeming, Godfreys and Robomate.
