1. EV Sweeper robot prototype unveiled for the first time at ZMP World 2023
ZMP Inc. (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hisashi Taniguchi, hereafter "ZMP") and Howa Industry Co., Ltd. (Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture; President: Takahiro Tsukamoto, hereafter "Howa Industry") have begun collaborating on the development of an autonomous cleaning vehicle (hereafter "EV Sweeper Robot") and unveiled the prototype for the first time at ZMP World 2023. Equipped with ZMP’s "IZAC" autonomous-driving system along with multiple sensors — including cameras and LiDAR — the EV Sweeper Robot can clean wide areas of paved asphalt surfaces without an onboard operator. Going forward, based on prototype performance evaluation, mass production and sales are planned for 2024.
2. Background of the partnership and future outlook
Labor shortages driven by declining birthrates and an aging population have led to rising demand for productivity gains across every industry. Cleaning work at large facilities such as factories and entertainment venues is no exception, and the need for automation and labor savings in cleaning is rising in step.
To meet this demand, Howa Industry — which holds around 90% of the domestic sweeper/cleaner vehicle market — and ZMP — which has extensive experience with autonomous vehicles such as self-driving buses and robotaxis — have come together to co-develop the EV Sweeper Robot.
By developing a practical EV Sweeper Robot that combines cleaning capability with a high-precision autonomous-operation system, the two companies will help save labor and boost productivity in large-area cleaning operations, while working toward a society where humans and robots coexist harmoniously.
3. Planned specifications of the EV Sweeper Robot
- Automatically moves along and cleans user-defined routes. It can also perform supplementary cleaning in areas under user guidance and control.
- Using sensors such as 3D-LiDAR, GNSS, and cameras, the robot can follow walls and curbs while avoiding obstacles.
- Equipped with automatic stop and user-notification functions when an incident occurs.
Powered by Japan’s first lithium-ion battery for this category and an electric drive, reducing CO₂ emissions to zero.
EV Sweeper Robot prototype
EV Sweeper Robot prototype — key specifications:
- Overall length: 2,570 mm
- Overall width: 1,680 mm
- Overall height: 2,270 mm
- Vehicle weight: 1,860 kg
- Cleaning width: 1,680 mm
- Cleaning capacity: 5,040 m²/h
- Hopper capacity: 300 L
* Specifications may change during development.
4. The "IZAC" autonomous-driving operating system
IZAC is the autonomous-driving operating system developed by ZMP. Installed in robotaxis, self-driving buses, and sidewalk delivery robots, IZAC is responsible for the "recognition", "judgment", and "operation" of vehicles and robots, and is recognized for highly reliable autonomous-driving capability across a wide range of environments.
[Howa Industry Co., Ltd.]
Our corporate purpose is "Protect". Backed by technology and know-how accumulated over more than a century, we have never stopped pursuing innovation since our founding. We operate a diverse portfolio spanning machinery tools, firearms, construction materials, and specialty vehicles. In particular, we develop the EV Sweeper Robot within our specialty-vehicle business, where we hold around 90% of the domestic market — a product we are very proud of.
Head office: 1900-1 Sukaguchi, Kiyosu, Aichi
President: Takahiro Tsukamoto
Website: http://www.howa.co.jp/
Inquiry page: https://www.howa.co.jp/contact
