Chinese drone manufacturer DJI plans to launch its first robotic vacuum cleaner, named DJI ROMO, this month.

This information comes from a report by state-backed China Securities Journal. The device is expected to feature both vacuuming and mopping functions.

The development of the robotic cleaner has reportedly been in progress for four years. DJI has not yet issued a comment on the upcoming product.

If confirmed, this entry will place DJI in competition with established brands in the robotic cleaner market.

🔗 Source: South China Morning Post

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ DJI brings drone market dominance playbook to competitive robot vacuum sector

DJI enters the robot vacuum market from a position of extraordinary strength in its core drone business, where it commanded a 74% market share by 2018 1.

The company’s success formula in drones has centered around aggressive R&D investment, with 1,500 employees dedicated to research and development, a capability that could prove decisive in the robot vacuum market 1.

DJI’s history of aggressive pricing strategies, including cutting prices by up to 70% within a year, suggests potential pricing disruption in the robot vacuum sector where established players have maintained premium positioning 1.

The drone giant faces established competitors with significant market share, including Roborock (16%), iRobot (13.7%), and other Chinese firms like Ecovacs, Xiaomi, and Dreame that collectively dominate global sales.

DJI’s diversification comes after achieving approximately $3 billion in annual drone sales and a $15 billion valuation, giving it substantial resources to invest in breaking into adjacent markets 2.

2️⃣ Robot vacuum market presents enormous growth opportunity amid smart home expansion

The global robotic vacuum market is projected to grow from $9.07 billion in 2024 to $31.79 billion by 2033, representing a 16.97% compound annual growth rate and significant expansion potential 3.

The robot vacuum sector saw global shipments reach 20.6 million units last year, an 11.2% year-over-year increase according to IDC data mentioned in the original article.

Asia Pacific currently dominates the robot vacuum market with 40.8% market share in 2024, creating a home-field advantage for DJI as a Chinese manufacturer 3.