Chinese manufacturers are rapidly transforming the global pool cleaning robot market through technological innovation and increased export capabilities. According to a recent joint report by global market consultancy IDC, worldwide shipments of pool cleaning robots are projected to reach nearly 4 million units by 2029, reflecting an annual growth rate exceeding 20 percent.
Five years ago, the sector was largely dominated by foreign companies, but that dynamic is shifting as domestic producers emerge as key players. Data from market consultancy huaon.com reveals that in 2024, the top five global sellers of cable-free swimming pool cleaning robots by shipment volume were all Chinese firms: Wypotics Co Ltd, Sunwoda Electronic Co Ltd, Sensomics, Wavefuture, and Shenzhen Aiper Intelligent Co Ltd. Together, they accounted for more than half—51.4 percent—of the global cable-free segment.
Among these companies, Deep Cleaner, based in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, has shown notable progress since its establishment in 2022. By 2025, Deep Cleaner’s annual shipments surpassed 100,000 units, with a customer repurchase rate above 70 percent and a product return rate between 2 and 3 percent—significantly lower than the industry average of around 15 percent. Over 95 percent of the company’s products are sold overseas, targeting markets in Europe, North America, and Australia. Deep Cleaner focuses on three main product categories: underwater cleaning, water surface cleaning, and swimming pool disinfection and sterilization, with all core components self-developed.
Wang Hua, general manager of Deep Cleaner, emphasized the critical role of mold manufacturing in the production process. He noted that pool cleaning robots heavily rely on plastic injection-molded parts such as shells, internal structures, gears, and seals. The company’s factory is located in Huangyan, Taizhou, which is recognized as China’s largest mold industry cluster. Huangyan’s comprehensive mold industry chain—from design and steel processing to heat treatment and mass production—enables rapid mold delivery and repair.
In research and development, Deep Cleaner invests between 7 million and 8 million yuan annually (approximately $1.04 million) and collaborates with Zhejiang University and Zhejiang University of Technology. These institutions have expertise in motor control, fluid mechanics, and materials science, aligning closely with the technological demands of pool cleaning robots.
Lin Xianping, an associate professor at Hangzhou City University, noted that Chinese pool cleaning robot manufacturers are transitioning from primarily serving as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to becoming technology solution providers. Most domestically produced units are exported to major international markets, underscoring China’s growing influence in this sector.