Launch Event on the 29th at Hanam Starfield
Release of Two All-in-One Washer-Dryers 'H1' and 'M1' Models
Chinese company Roborock, leading the domestic robot vacuum cleaner market, is accelerating its entry into Korea by launching an all-in-one washer-dryer. By releasing products with smaller capacities than those of Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, Roborock aims to differentiate its target audience and prioritize market establishment over direct competition. Roborock plans to expand its home appliance lineup starting with the washer-dryer launch, aspiring to become a 'comprehensive home appliance company.'
Bowen Chen, Product Marketing Manager for Roborock Washer-Dryer, is presenting at Starfield Hanam on the 29th. Photo by Han Yeju
On the 29th, Roborock held a launch briefing at its flagship store in Starfield, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do, unveiling two all-in-one washer-dryer models, the 'H1' and 'M1.'
The H1 has a washing capacity of 10kg and drying capacity of 6kg, while the M1 has a washing capacity of 1kg and drying capacity of 0.5kg. Compared to the integrated washer-dryers from Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics (washing 25kg, drying 15kg), these capacities are about half. The products are targeted at one- to two-person households seeking compact appliances. Prices are also more affordable compared to domestic products priced around 4 million KRW. The H1 is priced at 1,699,000 KRW, and the M1 at 749,000 KRW.
There is also a technological difference compared to domestic companies. While domestic products apply heat pump technology, Roborock’s two new models are equipped with 'Zeo-cycle™' technology. This technology uses the natural mineral zeolite and a dual air circulation path to capture moisture from wet laundry for drying. Washing and drying at moderate temperatures minimizes shrinkage or damage to delicate fabrics such as wool, and an intelligent temperature control function with an NTC sensor monitors optimal temperature to prevent excessive drying.
Bowen Chen, Roborock Washer-Dryer Product Marketing Manager, who presented at the event, explained, "Heat pump technology installs an air conditioner inside the washing machine, which takes up a lot of space and requires many components. As a result, it is expensive and large in size, whereas Zeo-cycle can be built-in and offers excellent cost-effectiveness."
He added, "We spent three years developing Zeo-cycle technology. There were 1,042 software versions, and 1,000 participants conducted over ten thousand hours of testing."
The 'LintClear™ automatic cleaning system' is another technology not found in domestic products. This system automatically collects and removes dust and lint caught in the lint filter through a separate water pipe, eliminating the need for manual filter cleaning. Additionally, the washer-dryer features a drum cleaning function that easily cleans both inside and outside the drum, an automatic load detection system that adjusts water volume and drying time based on the weight of clothes to save energy and time, a special stain removal function, and a DD motor that enhances washing performance, durability, and longevity. The energy efficiency rating is Grade 1.
Roborock stated that launching the all-in-one washer-dryer marks the beginning of its transformation into a comprehensive home appliance company. Korea is the third country after China and Germany to launch the washer-dryer. Sales have already been successful in China and Germany. According to Roborock officials, during the recent Chinese Singles' Day, the H1 ranked among the top three best-selling washer-dryers, and the M1 took first place in sales.
Jang Yujeong, Roborock Korea PR Manager, said, "Washer-dryers are a new category for Roborock, so we do not expect to rapidly increase market share domestically. However, we will gradually expand the market by leveraging our unique technology and capacities that other companies do not have as selling points."
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