Ecovacs Japan Survey Reveals Consumer Anxiety Regarding Robot Vacuums: 'Support and Durability' of Overseas Brands Tops Concerns

## Overview of Ecovacs Japan's Robot Vacuum Consciousness Survey

Ecovacs Japan Co., Ltd. conducted a survey targeting 1,000 men and women in their 20s to 60s across Japan (500 owners and 500 non-owners) to clarify the realities of anxieties and awareness regarding robot vacuums (including window cleaning robots).

### Survey Summary
- The top concern among Japanese people regarding robot vacuums is the 'support and durability of overseas brands' (65.3%).
- Regarding brands considered 'safe to choose,' 55.6% answered 'none in particular/do not know.'
- 64.4% are unaware of the existence of window cleaning robots.
- 71.1% of pet owners are anxious about 'trouble while the device is in operation unattended.'
- The ownership rate for those who feel 'robot vacuums are essential items' is 95.5%.

### Detailed Analysis

#### 1. Top Concern: 'Support and Durability of Overseas Brands'
65.3% of respondents expressed anxiety about the support or durability of high-function overseas brand products. By age, this concern was highest among those in their 60s at 72.1%, identifying it as a major purchasing barrier for seniors. Owners (68.6%) showed higher concern than non-owners (62.0%), indicating that experienced users are more aware of after-sales support.

#### 2. Brand Trust
When asked about brands they feel 'safe choosing,' 55.6% replied 'none in particular/do not know.' Even the most trusted brand, iRobot, was mentioned by only 33.4%, followed by Ecovacs (11.5%) and Roborock (6.4%). Even among current owners, 31.2% were unsure, showing that brand trust has not yet solidified.

#### 3. Concerns During Unattended Operation
53.0% of all respondents worry about incidents involving furniture, pets, or children when operating a robot vacuum while away. This concern is particularly high among pet owners (71.1%), those raising children (59.4%), and dual-income households (58.7%).

#### 4. Privacy Concerns
46.2% of all respondents feel uneasy about privacy regarding camera functions and data collection. This rises to 58.5% among those currently considering a purchase, suggesting these concerns hinder them from taking the next step.

#### 5. Psychological Hurdle of 'Taking It Easy'
25.7% of all respondents feel a sense of guilt or 'laziness' in delegating chores to robots. This is highest among those in their 30s (35.1%), acting as a psychological barrier for child-rearing and dual-income generations.

#### 6. Necessity vs. Luxury
Ownership among those who view it as an 'essential' is 95.5%, whereas it is only 18.3% among those who see it as a 'luxury.' Recognition of product value is directly linked to purchase behavior.

#### 7. Awareness of Window Cleaning Robots
Regarding awareness of window cleaning robots, 64.4% answered they 'did not know at all.' Even among current robot vacuum owners, 54.4% were unaware, indicating low penetration in the Japanese market.