SoftBank Robotics' Whiz is a commercial robot vacuum that learns a cleaning route when a staff member walks it through once, then repeats it on a schedule. It is a good fit for carpeted offices, hotels, schools and assisted living buildings that need vacuuming every night. It only vacuums, so buildings with hard floors that need scrubbing should look at a multi function robot instead.
What SoftBank Robotics Whiz is
Whiz is an autonomous commercial vacuum made by SoftBank Robotics and sold, deployed and serviced in the US by RobotLAB RobotLAB Whiz ↗. SoftBank says it is ideal for carpeted floors and other commercial spaces, and it runs on BrainOS software from Brain Corp SoftBank Robotics ↗.
It works on a teach and repeat model. A staff member teaches it a cleaning route in minutes, and it then cleans that route on its own on a set schedule RobotLAB Whiz ↗. It uses 2D and 3D cameras and a LiDAR sensor to avoid obstacles and plan its path, and it returns to its dock to charge RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
RobotLAB lists it for hospitality lobbies and guest areas, assisted living common spaces and resident rooms, and K-12 libraries, lunchrooms and classrooms RobotLAB Whiz ↗. The unit measures 18 by 18.6 by 25.7 inches and weighs about 66 pounds RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
What it does well
Setup is simple. Teaching a route by walking it once suits cleaning crews that do not want to program maps or learn complex software RobotLAB Whiz ↗. The same approach is used by other commercial robots such as Tennant's T380AMR Tennant T380AMR ↗.
It can run around the clock. RobotLAB rates it at about 5,350 square feet per hour, with up to 1,500 square meters covered per charge and 3 hours per battery RobotLAB Whiz ↗. Hot swap batteries are included, so staff can change a battery instead of waiting for the 4 hour recharge, which allows 24/7 operation RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
It moves around a building. Whiz supports multiple floors and can integrate with elevators and door openers RobotLAB Whiz ↗. That matters in hotels and schools where a single floor is a small share of the carpet.
It is quiet. RobotLAB describes it as whisper quiet for nighttime use, though it gives no decibel figure RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
Support is local. RobotLAB handles delivery, on site setup, staff training and ongoing service nationwide, and offers a free 30 minute demo RobotLAB Whiz ↗. SoftBank adds a reporting tool, SoftBank Robotics Connect, for near real time data on fleet use and cleaning SoftBank Robotics ↗.
Where it falls short
It only vacuums. Whiz does not scrub or mop RobotLAB Whiz ↗ SoftBank Robotics ↗. If you have tile, vinyl or concrete that needs wet cleaning, the Pudu CC1 Pro sweeps, scrubs, vacuums and dust mops in one pass for a similar price Pudu CC1 Pro ↗.
Battery life is short. Three hours per battery is less than some newer robots; the CC1 Pro runs up to 8 hours on a charge RobotLAB Whiz ↗ Pudu CC1 Pro ↗. Hot swaps solve this, but someone has to do them.
Pricing is inconsistent. RobotLAB lists $699 a month on its product listing and category page, but the comparison table on the Whiz page shows $1,042 a month RobotLAB Whiz ↗ RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗. Confirm the current rate in writing.
Key specs are missing. The product page does not state the dust bin size, filter type, consumables or warranty length RobotLAB Whiz ↗. SoftBank's page links to a data sheet but does not list those specs itself SoftBank Robotics ↗. Hands on testing is in progress; we will update this review with results.
Pricing and plans
Retail price: RobotLAB lists Whiz starting at $25,000 to buy RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
Robots as a Service: RobotLAB lists $699 a month on a standard 36 month term RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗. RaaS is described as all inclusive, covering the robot, service, updates and a loaner, and you can convert to a purchase after month 12 RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗. One table on the Whiz page shows $1,042 a month, so check your quote RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
Lease and financing: RobotLAB offers leases of 36 to 60 months with a $1 buyout, and says they can qualify for Section 179 RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗. Purchases are on net 30 terms RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗.
Service: if you buy or lease, RobotLAB's Standard service plan costs $199 a month per unit; it is bundled with RaaS RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗.
Where sold: in the US through RobotLAB, which ships in stock units from Dallas in 5 to 10 business days RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗. SoftBank also offers Whiz at a fixed price for a limited time without listing a figure SoftBank Robotics ↗.
Warranty and consumables: not stated on the product pages RobotLAB Whiz ↗ SoftBank Robotics ↗. Ask about warranty length, battery replacement and filter costs before you sign.
Who should (and shouldn't) use it
- Good fit: carpet heavy offices, hotels, schools and assisted living buildings RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
- Good fit: crews that want simple teach and repeat setup RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
- Good fit: multi floor buildings with elevators RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
- Skip it if: most of your floors are hard surfaces that need scrubbing Pudu CC1 Pro ↗.
- Skip it if: you want a cheap vacuum for a small space. The LG Vortex costs a fraction of the price RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗.
Alternatives worth a look
- Pudu CC1 Pro: sweeps, scrubs, vacuums and dust mops, from about $24,000 or $669 a month RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗ Pudu CC1 Pro ↗.
- LG Vortex Vacuum Robot: a budget commercial vacuum at $5,000 or $139 a month RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗.
- Pudu MT1 Vac: another commercial vacuum at $20,000 or $559 a month RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗.
Where it appears
Also greatThe Best Commercial Cleaning RobotWhat’s good
- Easy route setup
- Round the clock with swaps
- Nationwide RobotLAB service
What to know
- Vacuum only
- Conflicting monthly prices
Key features
- Teach and repeat routes
- About 5,350 sq ft per hour
- 3 hours per battery, hot swap included
- Auto docking
- Multi floor, elevator and door integration
Questions people ask
How much does the SoftBank Whiz cost?
RobotLAB lists it from $25,000 to buy, or $699 a month on a 36 month RaaS term, though one table shows $1,042 a month RobotLAB Whiz ↗ RobotLAB cleaning robots ↗.
Does Whiz mop floors?
No. Whiz is a vacuum designed mainly for carpet RobotLAB Whiz ↗ SoftBank Robotics ↗.
How long does the Whiz battery last?
About 3 hours per battery, with a 4 hour charge. Hot swap batteries are included for 24/7 use RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
Can Whiz use elevators?
Yes. It supports multiple floors, elevators and door openers RobotLAB Whiz ↗.
Where this comes from
Checked Oct 9, 2026. Vendor pages describe their own products; independent sources add outside views. Hands on testing is in progress.
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