AI-Powered Floor Cleaning Robots Launching This Year

Tennant, a cleaning innovation company, and robotics company Brain Corp are partnering to accelerate the development and roll out of floor-cleaning robots.

Tennant will bring its expertise in cleaning equipment to the partnership, while Brain Corp. will bring its AI-enabled autonomous mobile robot (AMR) cleaning technology. Under the agreement, Tennant also invested $32 million in Brain Corp.   

Combined, the companies will create purpose-built robotic equipment powered by Brain Corp’s next-generation, AI-enabled autonomous navigation technology.

“Our customers have always relied on Tennant for equipment innovation and aftermarket support to address key business challenges such as labor shortages and cost pressures,” said Dave Huml, Tennant’s CEO. “Our partnership with Brain Corp has already produced an industry-leading portfolio of autonomous equipment in this fast-growing space,

“We are excited to expand our existing partnership to dramatically accelerate the transition to robotic cleaning and drive adoption in new segments of our markets. By combining cleaning intelligence and automation, we are poised to lead the disruption that AI-enabled robotic technology will bring to our industry.”

The X4 Rovr robot, slated for launch in the second quarter of this year, marks the debut of a series of robotic cleaning designs by the partners. 

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The X4 Rovr is designed for high maneuverability and operation in smaller spaces. Its more compact size, the companies said, will offer “improved obstacle detection, and enhanced mobility,” as well as fewer assists.  

In addition, the partners said they hope their designs will facilitate an uptake in robotic cleaning tools, offering an accessible solution to drive adoption rates.

“This partnership further aligns two companies driven by a shared purpose: to elevate productivity and efficiency, and provide essential support for janitorial teams facing understaffing and overwhelming demand,” said David Pinn, Brain Corp.’s CEO. “At Brain Corp, we envision a world where people’s lives are made safer, easier, more productive, and more fulfilling with the help of robots, and I believe this expanded partnership will supercharge this into reality.”