Canon to offer SoftBank’s robotic vacuum cleaner Whiz to offices
Canon Solutions America has formed a new strategic collaboration with SoftBank Robotics America and will provide the Whiz robotic vacuum cleaner to offices as part of the agreement.
The alliance initiates a new focus on commercializing robotics and integrated automation as part of Canon Solutions America’s larger Workplace Health Solutions portfolio, starting with Whiz, which is described as “the commercial robot vacuum that works to elevate the health and safety of varying work environments”.
The Whiz offering brings together Canon Solutions America’s industry-leading solutions and exceptional professional services with SoftBank Robotics’ global leadership in collaborative robotics, or cobotics, and impactful automation.
Building on Canon Solutions America’s existing Workplace Health Solutions portfolio, and expanding on its current automated solutions including welloStationX, Check-In Online and Parcel Pending by Quadient, the Whiz solution works to meet the need for clean, safe workspaces for those planning to return to the office.
Brady Watkins, senior vice president and general manager, SoftBank Robotics America, says: “Our alliance with Canon Solutions America speaks to the speed and scale of demand for robotics under the reinvention of what it means to share and trust indoor space.
“It’s a new era for the workplace, one where robotics, automation, and data are helping to safely welcome people back.
“As one of the largest distributors of workplace solutions, Canon Solutions America is uniquely positioned to integrate continuous, connected, clean technologies into existing ecosystems and enable a successful return to work.”
Whiz represents the evolution of the company’s commitment to offering innovative solutions in the workplace, introducing robotics into the Canon Solutions America customer technology environment.
Whiz combines autonomous navigation technology with Whiz Connect cloud connectivity and integrated analytics for a smarter clean and healthier environment.
Whiz is powered by BrainOS, the cloud-connected AI software platform for building, deploying and supporting commercial autonomous robots at scale.
Already serving commercial spaces spanning major office complexes, connected campuses, and leading healthcare systems, Whiz’s unobtrusive visibility, HEPA-equipped cleaning, and data-confirmed results are integral for the cleanliness priorities of the modern workplace.
Peter P. Kowalczuk, president, Canon Solutions America, says: “We are pleased to be partnering with a leading technology organization, SoftBank Robotics, to expand our existing Workplace Health Solutions portfolio, while offering our customers peace of mind that their office space will be frequently and efficiently cleaned and connected for near-time insights to help facilitate the return to the workplace.
“We look forward to continuing to expand this portfolio by offering new, innovative technology and solutions in the robotics space to our customers.”
Whiz is currently available from Canon Solutions America in select markets in the US and may be purchased through flexible options that allow for either capital or financed expenses.