Whiz Gambit combines autonomous cleaning with disinfection to tackle several problems at once
The world is still learning to live with the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, so new and improved advanced cleaning and disinfection methods keep appearing. The Whiz Gambit Atomic Mobile Robot (AMR) is an AI-based 2-in-1 cleaning and disinfection device released by SoftBank Robotics Group (SBRG) together with Avalon SteriTech (Avalon).
The robot is built on SBRG's Whiz, an autonomous vacuum designed for commercial cleaning teams. Whiz automates vacuuming of large floor areas. The device has already succeeded in the commercial cleaning market as a standalone product.
“Whiz represents a major technological upgrade in automating commercial processes that demand frequency, quality and consistency. The scale and effort needed to keep vast carpeted areas clean leave cleaning crews overworked. Whiz supports cleaning teams so they can work more effectively. By doing so, Whiz helps teams create a healthier environment”
Gambit is a biodecontamination spray system developed by Avalon. Gambit was built specifically to connect to Whiz and use its autonomous operation to disinfect commercial spaces while Whiz completes the nightly floor cleaning workflow. Gambit is not designed to operate separately from the Whiz Gambit device.
The combined unit is certified by SGS, a leading testing, inspection and certification company. The Whiz Gambit 2-in-1 disinfection and vacuum technology is currently unique on the market.
“We are seeing a real surge in demand for Whiz among cleaning suppliers and contractors as people return to their workplaces. Customers face enormous pressure to improve cleaning efficiency, comfort and consistency, and Whiz plays a major role in this. For customers who want to focus even more on hygiene, there is now a cobotic solution for spray disinfection”
According to the World Health Organization, fomite transmission is one of the main ways infectious diseases spread. Traditional manual cleaning protocols alone can no longer provide consistent and effective protection against "hidden" dust (such as pollen or mold) and "invisible" pathogens (viruses and bacteria).
AI-powered cleaning and disinfection is a revolutionary solution in biosafety and hygiene. Whiz Gambit features best-in-class AI for autonomous driving: it can plan routes and avoid obstacles. The device is easy to set up, easy to use and easy to monitor.
A convenient operating system lets users design the robot's routes themselves and check records of completed jobs. Dry fog spray technology, using a special nozzle and pump, produces disinfectant droplets smaller than 10 microns. The substance is compatible with most materials and electronic equipment. 24/7 availability and reliability deliver stable performance that prevents human-error mistakes, and streamline operations and workflow with less effort but better results.
“Although COVID-19 risks continue to evolve, returning to commercial spaces can be protected with rigorous, science-based cleaning and disinfection methods. Following the successful launch of Whiz Gambit in the Asia-Pacific region, we are proud to expand our presence in international markets alongside SoftBank Robotics, which shares our mission of protecting people's health through intelligent cleaning and biodecontamination. By preventing the spread of the virus, Whiz Gambit will help businesses successfully handle current challenges and pave the way for a successful return”
On a fully charged battery, Whiz's normal mode lasts about three hours, and its maximum power mode about one and a half hours. Gambit with a fully charged battery can spray for about one hour. The maximum area for a cleaning and disinfection route is approximately 502 m² per charge.
For autonomous cleaning, the manufacturers implemented several safety features: sensors detect steps, walls and obstacles, and when the bumper touches an obstacle the device stops immediately. The maximum debris size the robot vacuum can pick up is 3 cm, but the size will vary depending on floor material.
All collected debris goes into a dust bag inside the device (as in conventional, non-smart vacuums), which must be replaced with a new one when full. A major advantage of Whiz is that it can perform autonomous cleaning and disinfection even in the dark.
According to studies, the number of airborne microorganisms drops by 80% when using Whiz Gambit. Up to 99.9% of microbes were removed during a test in a simulated SGS environment with a large set of samples.
