Cleaning Robots: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to 2020

Transcription

1 Cleaning Robots: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to 2020 Mountains of Opportunity Picture by Susan Eustis

2 Lexington, Massachusetts

3 CHECK OUT THESE KEY TOPICS Cleaning Robots: A Revolution in Automated Process for the Home, Cleaning Robots Navigate, Manage Multiple Surfaces, Recharge, and Clean More Deeply Cleaning Robots Cleaning RobotForecasts Cleaning Robot Market Shares Cleaning Robot Vacuum Cleaning Robot Cleaning RobotRenewable Energy Vacuum Sensors Cleaning Robot Cleaning RobotAdvances In Technology Cleaning Robot Saves Shipping Costs Cleaning Robot Saves Space Cleaning Robot Innovation Modular Robot Structure Chain / Tree Architectures Pool Cleaners Cleaning Robots Implement Flexible Systems Approach to Turning Copper Network Infrastructure into Broadband Cleaning Robots: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, LEXINGTON, Massachusetts (November 1, 2014) WinterGreen Research announces that it has published a new study Cleaning Robots: Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to The 2014 study has 319 pages, 109 tables and figures. Worldwide Cleaning Robots markets are increasingly diversified, poised to achieve significant growth as new technology is used in every part of the home. The automated process revolution in business process and communications is being extended to home cleaning robots. Household robot market driving forces are aspects of automated process applied to the home for achieving better use of time, creating more time for people. Using robots to replace manual cleaning is a compelling shift in managing a household. Robots for cleaning are very useful. Robots automating cleaning systems give a chance to run the vacuum every day and keep the home cleaner while at the same time leaving more time for leisure activities. Innovation is the result of ongoing performance improvement in the areas of product development and customer support. Markets have increasing competition. Products from market leading vendors continue to compete favorably. New products and enhancements provide ease of use. Better batteries let products run for longer periods.

4 The principal competitive factors in the market for cleaning robots include performance, cost of purchase, length batteries work, and total cost of system operation. The cost of unit maintenance and support is a competitive aspect. Products compete based on ease of use, integration with existing equipment, quality, reliability, customer support, brand, and reputation. Robotics related innovations improve demand. Robots for cleaning address a broader part of the potential customer base as the technology matures. Use of robots for cleaning is becoming more accepted. Products are becoming more diverse. With the technical improvements in sensors, visualization, and in the fields of robotic hobby, recreation, and warfare, robots are becoming less expensive and more adaptive to the cleaning task. The rise of futuristic cutting edge industries and the decline of manufacturing industries gives rise to market conditions that support the evolution of more elaborate, smaller, less expensive cleaning robots. The robot industry today is expanding from industrial areas to fields where robots can be used in the same areas with humans. Robots have gained credibility and higher adoption rates for home cleaning. According to Susan Eustis, lead author of the WinterGreen Research team that prepared the study, The opportunity to participate in home cleaning robot markets is broadly open as the technologies are available to construct a system. In the case of personal robots cleaning functions are accompanied by medical, welfare, education, service, and educational functional capabilities. The robot industry follows the semiconductor industry. Sales in 2013 for home cleaning robots are small compared to what will be achieved by The home cleaning industry market is anticipated to expand to the size of a $9 billion market as every household is equipped with one or more cleaning robots. Cleaning robots will achieve their fair share of this. Vacuum cleaner robots are forecast to grow rapidly from $981 million in 2013 to $2.6 billion by 2020 because units provide automated process that implements effective cleaning power. Vacuuming with the added convenience of automated performance is sure to fill the gap for people who have less available time to clean their homes. WinterGreen Research is an independent research organization funded by the sale of market research studies all over the world and by the implementation of ROI models that are used to calculate the total cost of ownership of equipment, services, and software. The company has 35 distributors worldwide, including Global Information Info Shop, Market Research.com, Research and Markets, electronics.ca, Bloomberg, and Thompson Financial. WinterGreen Research is positioned to help customers facing challenges that define the modern enterprises. The increasingly global nature of science, technology and engineering is a reflection of the implementation of the globally integrated enterprise. Customers trust wintergreen research to work alongside them to ensure the success of the participation in a particular market segment.

5 WinterGreen Research supports various market segment programs; provides trusted technical services to the marketing departments. It carries out accurate market share and forecast analysis services for a range of commercial and government customers globally. These are all vital market research support solutions requiring trust and integrity. Key words: Cleaning Robots, Cleaning RobotForecasts, Cleaning Robot Market Shares, Cleaning Robot, Vacuum Cleaning Robot, Cleaning RobotRenewable Energy, Vacuum Sensors Cleaning Robot, Cleaning RobotAdvances In Technology, Cleaning Robot Saves Shipping Costs, Cleaning Robot Saves Space, Cleaning Robot Innovation, Modular Robot Structure, Chain / Tree Architectures, Pool Cleaners,,, Companies Profiled Selected Market Leaders irobot Samsung Toshiba Yujin LG Ecovacs Philips Bandai Coroware Dyson Electrolux Fluidra Google Hanool Robotics Hayward irobot Karcher, Robotic Harvesters, Economies of Scale, Powering Robotic Tractor Market Participants KumoTek Kyosho LG Lilin Group Mamirobot Matsutek Metapo Microbric Miele MSI Neato Robotics NEC P3 Parallax Pentair Samsung Surveyor Yujin Robot Zodiac Pool Systems

6 Cleaning Robots: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2014 to 2020 Report Methodology This is the 614th report in a series of primary market research reports that provide forecasts in communications, telecommunications, the Internet, computer, software, telephone equipment, health equipment, and energy. Automated process and significant growth potential are priorities in topic selection. The project leaders take direct responsibility for writing and preparing each report. They have significant experience preparing industry studies. Forecasts are based on primary research and proprietary data bases. This Cleaning Robots study is based on tracking distributor shipments, software, and dynamic processing that provides significant insight into the technology. Experience implementing robotic systems for different OS using the Cleaning Robots has been evaluated in many different contexts. Evaluation of the changes brought to the supply chain and transaction processing by the Internet are among factors that contribute to development of triangulation regarding market forecasts for the sector. The primary research is conducted by talking to customers, distributors and companies. The survey data is not enough to make accurate assessment of market size, so WinterGreen Research looks at the value of shipments and the average price to achieve market assessments. Our track record in achieving accuracy is unsurpassed in the industry. We are known for being able to develop accurate market shares and projections. This is our specialty. The analyst process is concentrated on getting good market numbers. This process involves looking at the markets from several different perspectives, including vendor shipments. The interview process is an essential aspect as well. We do have a lot of granular analysis of the different shipments by vendor in the study and addenda prepared after the study was published if that is appropriate. Forecasts reflect analysis of the market trends in the segment and related segments. Unit and dollar shipments are analyzed through consideration of dollar volume of each market participant in the segment. Installed base analysis and unit analysis is based on interviews and an information search. Market share analysis includes conversations with key customers of products, industry segment leaders, marketing directors, distributors, leading market participants, opinion leaders, and companies seeking to develop measurable market share.

7 Over 200 in depth interviews are conducted for each report with a broad range of key participants and industry leaders in the market segment. We establish accurate market forecasts based on economic and market conditions as a base. Use input/output ratios, flow charts, and other economic methods to quantify data. Use in-house analysts who meet stringent quality standards. Interviewing key industry participants, experts and end-users is a central part of the study. Our research includes access to large proprietary databases. Literature search includes analysis of trade publications, government reports, and corporate literature. Findings and conclusions of this report are based on information gathered from industry sources, including manufacturers, distributors, partners, opinion leaders, and users. Interview data was combined with information gathered through an extensive review of internet and printed sources such as trade publications, trade associations, company literature, and online databases. The projections contained in this report are checked from top down and bottom up analysis to be sure there is congruence from that perspective. The base year for analysis and projection is With 2013and several years prior to that as a baseline, market projections were developed for 2014 through These projections are based on a combination of a consensus among the opinion leader contacts interviewed combined with understanding of the key market drivers and their impact from a historical and analytical perspective. The analytical methodologies used to generate the market estimates are based on penetration analyses, similar market analyses, and delta calculations to supplement independent and dependent variable analysis. All analyses are displaying selected descriptions of products and services. This research includes reference to an ROI model that is part of a series that provides IT systems financial planners access to information that supports analysis of all the numbers that impact management of a product launch or large and complex data center. The methodology used in the models relates to having a sophisticated analytical technique for understanding the impact of workload on processor consumption and cost. WinterGreen Research has looked at the metrics and independent research to develop assumptions that reflect the actual anticipated usage and cost of systems. Comparative analyses reflect the input of these values into models. The variables and assumptions provided in the market research study and the ROI models are based on extensive experience in providing research to large enterprise organizations and data centers. The ROI models have lists of servers from different manufacturers, Systems z models from IBM, and labor costs by category around the world.

8 This information has been developed from WinterGreen research proprietary data bases constructed as a result of preparing market research studies that address the software, energy, healthcare, telecommunicatons, and hardware businesses. YOU MUST HAVE THIS STUDY Cleaning Robots Executive Summary Table of Contents The study is designed to give a comprehensive overview of the Cleaning Robots market segment. Research represents a selection from the mountains of data available of the most relevant and cogent market materials, with selections made by the most senior analysts. Commentary on every aspect of the market from independent analysts creates an independent perspective in the evaluation of the market. In this manner the study presents a comprehensive overview of what is going on in this market, assisting managers with designing market strategies likely to succeed. CLEANING ROBOTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 21 Robotic Vacuum Market Driving Forces 21 Cleaning Robotics Market Driving Forces 23 Cleaning Robot Market Driving Forces 25 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market Shares 26 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market Forecasts HOUSEHOLD ROBOT CLEANING MARKET DESCRIPTION AND MARKET DYNAMICS Robotic Automation Potential Robots Find A Place in the Cleaning Tasks Robots Make Cleaning More Efficient Seizing the Robotics Opportunity Modular Self-Reconfiguring Robotic Systems Robot Vacuum Product Launches Public Aware That Robotics Have Arrived Next Generation Service Robotics Domestic Robots Market Research Risk Mitigation CLEANING ROBOTS MARKET SHARES AND FORECASTS Robotic Vacuum Market Driving Forces Cleaning Robotics Market Driving Forces Cleaning Robot Market Driving Forces Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market Shares irobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot Samsung NaviBot Samsung 52

9 2.2.4 LG Roboking Dyson Radial Root Cyclone Technology Matustek Yujin Robotics Panasonic Nanotechnology Cleaning Robot Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market Forecasts Home Vacuum Cleaning Robot Market Segment Analysis, Top Of The Line, Classic, And Low End Basic Market Forecasts Home Vacuum Cleaner Robot Shipments Market Forecasts, Units Number Of Households And Percent Unit Penetration Of Robot Vacuums Analysis Households and Population Vacuum Cleaning Robot Regional Analysis Dollars and Units, By Region, Residential Vacuum Cleaning Robot Markets Cleaning Robot Prices LG Electronics LRV5900 Robot Vacuum Prices Robotic Cleaner Prices LG Robot vac on Google Vacuum Cleaning Robot Regional Market Analysis irobot Domestic and International Korea CLEANING ROBOTS PRODUCT DESCRIPTION irobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot irobot 800 Series AeroForce Performance Cleaning System Home Cleaning Robots irobot Roomba irobot 500 Series irobot Real World Environment Dynamic Robotic Operations irobot Allows Users To Interact And Instruct Movement In Intuitive Ways irobot Products For Kitchen Cleaning Samsung Navibot Samsung NaviBot Light Samsung Navibot S Robot Vacuum Samsung VC-RM72VR Dual CPU Automatic Robot Vacuum Samsung Robot Vacuum Navigation LG Roboking LG Roboking Bagless Robot Vacuum LG HOM-BOT LG Electronic HOM-BOT SQUARE VR6260LVM LG HomBot 3.0 Robotic Vacuum LG Electronics Motor LG Electronics Lithium Polymer Batteries Dyson 360 Eye Cleaning Robot ,1 Dyson Radial Root Cyclone Technology Dyson Link App Google Metapo Metapo CleanMate QQ2 Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Scheduler, White Metapo CleanMate QQ5 Plus Infinvo Hovo Neato BotVac Series Matsutek Miele International Enters The Robot Vacuum Cleaner Market Miele International Scout RX1 Benchmark Mamirobot KF7 Series P3 Robotic Vacuum Yujin Robot iclebo POP Yujin Robot iclebo ARTE Karcher Robocleaner RC

10 3.15 Hanool Robotics' Metapo CleanMate QQ2 Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Scheduler, White Hayward TigerShark Hayward TigerShark Hayward SharkVac Hayward SharkVAC XL Hayward Navigator Pro Hayward AquaBug Hayward Diver Dave Hayward Wanda the Whale Hayward AquaRay Pentair Robotic Cleaner Pentair Kreepy Krauly Prowler Pentair Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820 Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner Zodiac Pool Systems Polaris 9550 Sport Maytronics Residential Robots Maytronics Commercial Robots Maytronics Natural Pool Robots Maytronics Suction Robots Maytronics hybrid DX Maytronics hybrid RS Maytronics hybrid Platinum 197 ROBOT TECHNOLOGY Robotics Industry Technology Synergies irobot Technology irobot Roomba 564 Core Technologies: irobot iadapt Responsive Cleaning Technology: Cleaning Robotics Enabling Technology irobot Real-World, Dynamic Sensing irobot / Advanced Scientifics Concepts irobot / ICx Technologies irobot User-Friendly Interfaces Vacuum Sensors Vacuum Robotic Lasers irobot Technology Strategy Swimming Pool Cleaner Robotic Technology Automatic Suction-Side Cleaners Robotic Automatic Pool Cleaners Cleaning Robot Key Technology Needs Cleaning Robots and Pets Pet Reactions To A Robot Evolution Robotics Technology Solutions Evolution Robotics Example Applications Visual Simultaneous Localization & Mapping Classification Of Industrial Robots By Mechanical Structure Robots By Type Classification Of Industrial Robots By Mechanical Structure II Open Robotic Control Software PC-Bots Advanced Robot Technology: Navigation, Mobility, And Manipulation Robot Intelligence Systems Real-World, Dynamic Sensing User-Friendly Interfaces 228

11 Tightly-Integrated, Electromechanical Robot Design Field Based Robotics Iterative Development Next-Generation Products Leverage Model Modular Robot Structure And Control Lattice Architectures Chain / Tree Architectures Deterministic Reconfiguration Stochastic Reconfiguration Modular Robotic Systems Autonomous Modular Robotics Used in Space Telepario Self-Reproducing Machines M-TRAN Modular Transformer Attitude Control In Space By Control Moment Gyros Robotics Government Regulations Segway Mobile Robotic Technology Segway Brains And The Brawn Hitachi Configuration Of Robots Using The SuperH Family Hitachi Concept of MMU And Logic Space Pool Cleaner Parts Work Together AquaBot Pool Cleaner Technology ROBOT COMPANY DESCRIPTION Bandai Coroware Dyson Dyson 360 Eye Robot Dyson Innovation Techniques Electrolux Electrolux Revenue Fluidra Fluidra Revenue Fluidra Systems And Components For Both Private And Public Swimming Pools Fluidra Commercial Pools Fluidra Group / Aqua Products Aqua Products Cleaner Brand Positioning Aqua Products Research and Development Labs Google Google / Boston Dynamics Boston Dynamics Boston Dynamics LS3 - Legged Squad Support Systems Boston Dynamics CHEETAH - Fastest Legged Robot Boston Dynamics Atlas - The Agile Anthropomorphic Robot Boston Dynamics BigDog Boston Dynamics LittleDog - The Legged Locomotion Learning Robot Google Robotic Division Google Self-Driving Car Google Cars Address Vast Majority Of Vehicle Accidents Due To Human Error Google Business Google Corporate Highlights Google Search 280

12 Google Revenue Google Second Quarter 2013 Results Google Revenues by Segment and Geography Google / Motorola Headcount Google / Motorola Hanool Robotics Hanool Robotics Synchronous Mobile Robot Hayward Totally Hayward System Hayward Industries Commercial Pool Products Hayward Commercial Hayward irobot irobot Home Robots: irobot Defense and Security: Protecting Those in Harm s Way irobot Role In The Robot Industry irobot SPARK (Starter Programs for the Advancement of Robotics Knowledge) irobot Revenue irobot Acquires Evolution Robotics, Inc irobot / Evolution Robotics irobot Strategy irobot Technology Karcher Karcher KumoTek KumoTek Divisions KumoTek Consumer Robotics Group Kyosho LG LG Revenue LG Branding Winning Over the Top-Class Market Lilin Group Mamirobot Matsutek Matsutek Main Products: Metapo Microbric Microbric Technical Aspects Miele MSI Neato Robotics NEC NEC Robots That Live With, And Have The Ability To Interact With Humans NEC Sales P Parallax Pentair Samsung Samsung Strategic Change 344

13 Samsung Revenue Samsung Apps Samsung Display and Information Technology Innovations Samsung Cameras: Consumer-Inspired Design Samsung Creating a Future Home Entertainment TV Surveyor Yujin Robot Zodiac Pool Systems 351 List of Tables and Figures Table ES-1 24 Cleaning Robotics Market Driving Forces 24 Table ES-2 25 Consumer Home Cleaning Product Development Challenges 25 Figure ES-3 27 Vacuum Cleaner Robot Market Shares, Dollars, Worldwide, Figure ES-4 29 Vacuum Robot Market Forecasts Dollars, Worldwide, Table Aspects of Robotic Cleaning Sector Modernization 31 Figure Robot Vacuum Product Launches 35 Figure Scaling irobot Vacuum Cleaner Markets 37 Table Domestic Robot Types 39 Table Cleaning Robotics Market Driving Forces 45 Table Consumer Home Cleaning Product Development Challenges 46 Figure Vacuum Cleaner Robot Market Shares, Dollars, Worldwide, Table Vacuum Cleaner Robot Shipments, Market Shares, Dollars, Figure irobot Home Products 51 Figure

14 Panasonic Fukitorimushi Robotic Vacuum 56 Figure Vacuum Robot Market Forecasts Dollars, Worldwide, Figure Vacuum Cleaning Robot Shipments Units and Dollars, Worldwide, Table Home Vacuum Cleaning Robot Market Segment Analysis, Top of the Line, Classic, and Low End Basic Market Forecasts, Dollars, Worldwide, Figure Vacuum Cleaner Robot Shipments Market Forecasts 61 Units, Worldwide, Table Vacuum Cleaning Robot Shipments, Units and Dollars, Worldwide, Table Number of Households and Percent Unit Penetration of Robot Vacuums Analysis, North and South America, Market Forecasts, Figure irobot View of Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Addressable Market 65 Figure Robotic Vacuum Market 66 Table Worldwide Population, Table Vacuum Cleaning Robot Regional Analysis Dollars and Units, By Region, Figure irobot on Google 76 Figure Cleaning Robot Regional Market Segments, Dollars, Worldwide, Table Cleaning Robot Regional Market Segments, Dollars, Worldwide, Table Vacuum Cleaner Robot Shipments, North and South America, Market Shares, Dollars, Table Vacuum Cleaner Robot Shipments, Europe Middle East and Africa, Market Shares, Dollars, Table Vacuum Cleaner Robot Shipments, Asia Pacific Region Market Shares, Dollars, Figure

15 irobot Home Robot Products 86 Figure irobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot 87 Table irobot AeroForce System Breakthrough Technologies 88 Table irobot AeroForce System Features 89 Figure irobot Roomba Table irobot Roomba 790 Specifications 93 Table irobot Roomba 790 Vacuum Cleaning Robot Features 94 Figure irobot Use in Kitchen 97 Figure irobot Use in Living Room 98 Figure Samsung Navibot 99 Figure Samsung NaviBot's Camera Supported by CPU System And Sensors 100 Figure Samsung NaviBot Light 101 Figure Samsung Navibot S Robot Vacuum 103 Figure Samsung VC-RM72VR Smart Tango Dual CPU Automatic Cleaner Super Slim Robot Vacuum 106 Figure Samsung VC-RM96W Tango Robot Vacuum 107 Figure Samsung Cleaning Robot Multiple Views 109 Figure Samsung Cleaning Robot 110 Figure Samsung Sensor Placement 112 Figure LG Roboking Robot Vacuum 115 Figure

16 LG Roboking VR6270LVM Smart Robot Vacuum 116 Table LG Roboking Features 117 Table LG Roboking VR6270LVM Smart Robot Vacuum Features 118 Table LG Roboking VR6270LVM Smart Robot Vacuum Specifications 119 Figure LG Roboking Bagless Robot Vacuum 121 Figure LG Electronics Motor 125 Figure LG Electronics Lithium Polymer Batteries 126 Figure Dyson 360 Eye Robot 127 Table Metapo CleanMate QQ2 Plus Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Features 131 Figure Metapo CleanMate QQ2 Plus 132 Figure Metapo CleanMate QQ5 Plus 133 Figure Infinvo Hovo Figure Neato BotVac Series 137 Table Neato Robot Vacuum Models 139 Figure Neato XV Series 140 Figure Matsutek Vacuum Robot 141 Figure Matsutek Vacuum Robot Product Line 142 Matsutek Smart Multi-Function Vacuum Cleaner With Remote Control 143 Table Table 3-37 (Continued) 144 Matsutek Smart Multi-Function Vacuum Cleaner With Remote Control 144 Figure

17 Matsutek Floor Cleaning Robot 145 Figure Mamirobot KF7 Series Features 149 Figure Mamirobot KF7 Series Functions 150 Figure P3 Robotic Vacuum 151 Table P3 Robotic Vacuum 152 Figure Yujin Robot iclebo POP 153 Figure Karcher Robocleaner RC Figure Hanool Robotics' Vacuum 163 Figure Hayward TigerShark 166 Figure Hayward TigerShark Figure Hayward TigerShark Features 169 Figure Hayward SharkVac 170 Table SharkVAC XL Pool Floor And Wall Cleaning Features 172 Table Hayward Navigator Pro's exclusive SmartDrive 174 Figure Hayward AquaBug 174 Table AquaBug Turbine Cleaner Features 175 Figure Hayward Diver Dave 176 Table Hayward Diver Dave Product Description 177 Figure Hayward Wanda the Whale 178 Table

18 Hayward Wanda the Whale Features 179 Figure Hayward AquaRay 180 Table Pentair Prowler 830 Remote Control Features 183 Figure Pentair Kreepy Krauly Prowler 820 Robotic Inground Pool Cleaner 184 Table Pentair Prowler 820 Features 185 Table Zodiac 4WD Robotic Cleaner Features 187 Figure Maytronics Commercial Pool Cleaning Robots 190 Table Maytronics Natural Pool, Eco-Pool, and Organic Pool Benefits 192 Table Cleaning Robotics Enabling Technologies 201 Figure irobot Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Technology Strategy 205 Figure irobot Technology Strategy 206 Table irobot Next Generation Cleaning Robot Navigation 207 Table Cleaning Robot Key Technology 210 Table Robot Communications Key Technology 211 Table Cleaning Robot Key Navigation Technologies 212 Table Human-Robot Interaction 213 Figure Evolution Robotics Technology Solutions 216 Figure Evolution Robotics Object Recognition 217 Table Evolution Robotics Applications 218 Table

19 Visual Simultaneous Localization & Mapping Functions Relevant to Robotics 219 Figure Hitachi Modular Robot Configuration 245 Table Aquabot Key Product Technology Factors 247 Figure Aquabot Key Technology 248 Table Bandai America Partners 249 Table Bandai America Product Lines 250 Figure Dyson 360 Eye Robot 254 Figure Boston Dynamic LS3 267 Figure Boston Dynamic CHEETAH 268 Figure Boston Dynamic Atlas 270 Figure Boston Dynamic BigDog 272 Figure Boston Dynamics LittleDog Table Google Autonomous Vehicles Technology 276 Figure irobot Portfolio of Technology Solutions 293 Figure Cumulative irobot Unit Sales, 2004 to Figure irobot Home Business Revenue 300 Figure irobot Roomba 800 Launch Metrics 301 Table irobot Strategy Key elements 304 Table irobot Strategy Key Common Platforms and Software elements 305 Figure

20 KumoTek Divisions 310 Figure LG Global Locations 317 Figure Metapo Headquarters 324 Figure Metapo Vacuum Product line 325 Figure Metapo Facilities 326 Fiigure Microbric Components 328 Table Microbric Typical Modules 329 Figure MSI Worldwide Distribution and Factory Sites 334 Figure Neato XV-11 At Top Of Stairs 336 Table NEC Personal Robot Technologies 339 Figure Surveyor SRV-1 Blackfin Robot 349

21 ABOUT THE COMPANY WinterGreen Research, research strategy relates to identifying market trends through reading and interviewing opinion leaders. By using analysis of published materials, interview material, private research, detailed research, social network materials, blogs, and electronic analytics, the market size, shares, and trends are identified. Analysis of the published materials and interviews permits WinterGreen Research senior analysts to learn a lot more about markets. Discovering, tracking, and thinking about market trends is a high priority at WinterGreen Research. As with all research, the value proposition for competitive analysis comes from intellectual input. WinterGreen Research, founded in 1985, provides strategic market assessments in telecommunications, communications equipment, health care, Software, Internet, Energy Generation, Energy Storage, Renewable energy, and advanced computer technology. Industry reports focus on opportunities that expand existing markets or develop major new markets. The reports access new product and service positioning strategies, new and evolving technologies, and technological impact on products, services, and markets. Innovation that drives markets is explored. Market shares are provided. Leading market participants are profiled, and their marketing strategies, acquisitions, and strategic alliances are discussed. The principals of WinterGreen Research have been involved in analysis and forecasting of international business opportunities in telecommunications and advanced computer technology markets for over 30 years. The studies provide primary analytical insight about the market participants. By publishing material relevant to the positioning of each company, readers can look at the basis for analysis. By providing descriptions of each major participant in the market, the reader is not dependent on analyst assumptions, the information backing the assumptions is provided, permitting readers to examine the basis for the conclusions. About The Principal Authors Ellen T. Curtiss, Technical Director, co-founder of WinterGreen Research, conducts strategic and market assessments in technology-based industries. Previously she was a member of the staff of Arthur D. Little, Inc., for 23 years, most recently as Vice President of Arthur D. Little Decision Resources, specializing in strategic planning and market development services. She is a graduate of Boston University and the Program for Management Development at Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. She is the author of recent studies on worldwide telecommunications markets, the top ten internet equipment companies, the top ten contract manufacturing companies, and the Top Ten Telecommunications market analysis and forecasts. Susan Eustis, President, co-founder of WinterGreen Research is a senior analyst. She has done research in communications and computer markets and applications. She holds several patents in microcomputing and parallel processing. She has the original patents in electronic voting machines where she was featured in People Magazine in She has new patent applications in format varying, mulitprocessing, and electronic voting. She is the author of recent studies of the Solar Renewable Energy, Wind Energy, Thin Film Batteries, Business Process Management marketing strategies, Internet equipment, biometrics, a study of Internet Equipment, Worldwide Telecommunications Equipment, Top Ten Telecommunications, Digital Loop Carrier, Web Hosting, Web Services, and Application Integration markets. Ms. Eustis is a graduate of Barnard College. Susan Eustis was named as top female executive of the year by Who s Who Worldwide in She was named page one of the top 100 Industry leaders in Who s Who Worldwide in 2013.