AI vacuum cleaning robot developer Darob (齐元机器人) recently closed a pre-Series A round of funding valued at tens of millions of yuan, led by Chisage Group (中哲集团), Lieyunwang, a tech media outlet, reported today.
Proceeds from this round will be used to advance the R&D, manufacturing and market expansion of Darob’s products.
Founded in November 2020, Ningbo-based Darob is said to be the second venture of two co-founders, who led a team of developers with rich experience and a keen focus on commercial robotic cleaners, according to a press release.
The startup, which specializes in robotic sweepers for commercial use, has rolled out an intelligent, quality product that aims to democratize AI and make life easier for the average household, the release added.
The product, i5, is capable of performing tasks such as scrubbing, vacuuming and mopping. Users can control the device on a mobile app and send commands via Darob’s SaaS-like cloud service.
To date, the firm has racked up close to 20 million yuan (US$2.91 million) in R&D spending, and secure more than 20 domestic and foreign patents.
Darob is one of dozens of startups that have made its foray into vacuum cleaning robotics, a segment already teeming with entrenched players like Ecovacs (科沃斯, 603486.SH) and Roborock (石头科技, 688169.SH) as well as up-and-comers like Narwal (云鲸). For Darob to establish a foothold in a crowded market, it has a long way to go to beat competition.
