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The Whiz Gambit AMR combines floor cleaning and disinfection capabilities into a single unit. | Image credit: Softbank

The world is learning to live with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in response to that, comes new and improved facility cleaning and disinfection best practices. The Whiz Gambit autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is a 2-in-1 AI-powered cleaning and disinfection robot, jointly launched by SoftBank Robotics Group (SBRG) and Avalon SteriTech (Avalon). The device is now available across the EMEA region following its launch in Asia Pacific in March, 2021.

At the heart of the machine is the Whiz by SBRG. Whiz is an autonomous vacuum designed to work alongside commercial cleaning teams. Whiz automates the vacuuming of large areas of flooring. Whiz has already found success in the commercial facility cleaning market as a stand alone unit.

Whiz Gambit is a combination of two separate technologies. | Image credit: Softbank

Gambit is a bio-decontamination spray system developed by Avalon. The Gambit unit has been designed specifically to bolt on to Whiz and leverage Whiz’s autonomous operation to disinfect a commercial space while the Whiz is completing a nightly floor cleaning workflow. The Gambit unit is not designed to function separately from the Whiz Gambit machine.

The combined unit has been certified by SGS, a leading testing, inspection and certification company. The 2-in-1 disinfection and vacuum cleaning technology of the Whiz Gambit is unique in the market at this time. Whiz and Gambit are available through key distributors throughout EMEA.

Stefano Bensi, General Manager at SoftBank Robotics EMEA, said: “We’re seeing a real surge in demand for Whiz amongst FM providers and cleaning contractors across the whole region as people return to their workspaces. Clients are facing huge pressure to deliver improved cleaning performance, comfort and consistency and Whiz has a big part to play in this. For those clients wishing to take this focus on hygiene even further, there is now a cobotic solution for decontaminant spraying.”

Lewis Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Avalon SteriTech said: “While the risks COVID-19 poses continue to evolve, returning to the commercial space can be protected by strong and scientific cleaning and disinfection practices. After the successful launch of Whiz Gambit in APAC, we are proud to expand our footprint in international markets alongside SoftBank Robotics, who share our mission to safeguard people’s health through smart cleaning and bio-decontamination. Preventing the spread of virus, Whiz Gambit will help businesses to thrive through current challenges, setting the stage for successful comebacks.”