(Yicai) March 21 -- Ecovacs Robotics will invest in developing humanoid robots for household use, with the Chinese service robots maker still exploring relevant application scenarios, according to its vice chairman.

Ecovacs aims for its new household androids to perform tasks challenging for existing robots, including folding clothes and organizing items, Qian Cheng, who is also chief executive of the company's service robots business, said in an interview with Yicai on the sidelines of the Appliance and Electronics World Expo yesterday.

These tasks require robots with more joints, greater load-bearing capacity, and coordinated control to hold multiple objects, capabilities beyond current products, Qian pointed out, without disclosing when Ecovacs plans to launch its humanoid robots for household work.

The next evolution of home service robots lies in 'multi-form' solutions, expanding beyond floor-cleaning to include window-washing, lawn-mowing, and pool-cleaning tailored to vertical scenarios, Qian noted.

China boasts the world's most comprehensive robotics supply chain, Qian said. Suzhou-based Ecovacs has invested in relevant key areas, including critical sensor suppliers, chip developers, and robotic arm manufacturers, he added.

"We don't want new products to be stitched from vacuum cleaners and robot arms," Qian stressed.

Ecovacs, best known for its robot vacuum cleaners, reported revenue from its home service robots division reached CNY3.4 billion (USD469 million) in the first half of last year, accounting for 49 percent of its total, while income from its smart lifestyle appliance business was CNY3.5 billion, or just over half of its total, according to its latest financial report.

AWE 2025 opened under the theme "AI for All" at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre yesterday. The annual event, organized by the China Household Electrical Appliances Association, is one of the world's three major home appliances and consumer electronics exhibitions.

Editor: Martin Kadiev