Philips launches HomeRun 9000 robot vacuum in Australia

Philips has announced its entry into the Australian robot vacuum cleaner market, with the introduction of the Philips HomeRun 9000 Series Vacuum & Wash Robot.

According to Philips, the product launch addresses the increasing demand for robotics, as people seek convenient solutions for their busy lifestyles. The category is projected to see an 11% growth by 2027, aligning with global trends towards smart home technologies.

The flagship Philips HomeRun 9000 Series features PowerCyclone Aqua technology, which allows it to instantly remove dirty water and clean using only fresh water. This model, the company claims, is supported by 13 patents and includes features unique to the industry that aim to ensure more efficient and hygienic cleaning.

Alexander Gutwirth, General Manager and Director of Australia and New Zealand at Philips, commented on the strategic move: "The demand for smart home appliances in Australia is projected to grow significantly over the coming years. Fuelled by increasing interest in smart technologies for energy efficiency, security, and AI-powered devices, the smart home market is expected to be worth more than $5 billion by 2027. At Philips, we see this as an opportunity to not only innovate the floor care category but bring a fresh approach to robotics technology."

He further added: "We can't wait to share our latest products with the world. Australia's reputation as an early adopter of new technology makes it the ideal market for Philips to launch the HomeRun 9000 series, the most advanced robot vacuum cleaner in the world."

The robot includes a built-in tank that traps dirty water, promising sparkling floors every time. It is designed to require minimal maintenance, with an All-in-One station that refills the clean water tank and empties the dirty water tank independently for up to three weeks. The station also cleans and hot dries the mop to provide a fresh start for each cleaning session.

Vincent Wu, Global Robotics Business Development Leader at Philips, spoke about the technology: "Our relentless pursuit of innovation led us to develop breakthrough technology that not only makes daily floor cleaning handsfree but surpasses what's currently on the market. The Philips HomeRun 9000 Series Vacuum & Wash Robot's ability to continuously mop with clean water sets a new benchmark for efficiency and hygiene."

Launching in conjunction with the 9000 series are the Philips HomeRun 2000 Series models, which combine vacuuming and mopping features. These models offer high suction power, adapting automatically for carpets and rugs, and the 2100 series provides a stylish Auto-Empty station, allowing up to 70 days of operation without manual intervention.

The HomeRun series can be operated via an accompanying app, which allows users to customise cleaning operations. The app can manage the robot's tasks in real-time, with options for task scheduling and room-specific cleaning instructions.

Philips announced the price points for the HomeRun series, with the 2000 model priced at AUD$599, the 2100 model at AUD$799, and the flagship 9000 model at AUD$2499. These models will become available at major retailers such as Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Amazon, and Bing Lee.