Latest news with #ManuSharma
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
‘We want to be a challenger in India,' says Dreame India's top executive
Consumer electronics and home tech company Dreame, which entered the Indian market in 2023, is positioning itself as a significant challenger as it aims to make premium cleaning and personal grooming tools accessible to buyers with smaller budgets, according to Dreame India Managing Director, Manu Sharma. 'When I joined in July last year, our market share [in robotic vacuums] was just 5%. And we are roughly about 25% now and by Q3, around the festive season, we want to be clearly number one and drive the growth in India,' said Mr. Sharma. He highlighted that the company's primary aim is to top India's robot vacuum market by the end of this year. This ambition comes as Indians are increasingly discovering the perks of high-tech vacuum cleaners, from robo-vacuums cleaning homes autonomously to wet-and-dry models that dust and mop simultaneously. While customers often associate these products with eye-watering luxury prices, Dreame, founded in China in 2017 and now operating in over 100 markets, sees an opportunity. The Indian market for smart cleaning devices, especially robotic vacuums, is nascent. 'So last year, for example, the robotic vacs market was 150,000 units,' Mr. Sharma explained. 'This year, we expect to double and we possibly would see that it will have a very high double-digit the penetration of these smart devices, especially robotic vacuums, would be less than 1%. So we want to take that leadership, we want to take that onus upon ourselves in terms of showcasing these products.' Dreame faces a strong contender in India: the British-Singaporean company Dyson, known for its high-end vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, and hair styling tools that command prime retail space. However, Mr. Sharma stressed that Dreame is more than just an affordable alternative, emphasising its own tech investments and originality. 'The way we look at it is, we also are technology-heavy,' he stated. 'Just to give you background, almost 60% of our employees are in R&D. We spend almost 7% of our revenue on R&D, which is much more than what typically our competitors do. So, we bring our own technology and we are very focused on that.' He added that globally, Dreame had applied for around 6,004 patents. Simultaneously, Dreame is attuned to the Indian consumer. 'We're very sensitive about the Indian market in terms of price points, so we have a whole range of products,' Mr. Sharma said. 'What I can say is we are uniquely positioned, where you get the world-class technology at much more value than you would get from other brands.' While Dreame's core business is robotic vacuum cleaners, Mr. Sharma sees a great opportunity in the wet-and-dry handle vacuum cleaners. The company is also working on robotic swimming pool cleaners, lawn mowers, and even robotic service caterers for eateries globally, alongside personal grooming tools. Recognising Dyson's strong offline footprint, Dreame, currently with a largely online presence, is planning its own expansion. 'We're going to be expanding our foray into the offline very soon,' Mr. Sharma confirmed, adding that 2025 would be a year of launches and announcements. Offline growth, he believes, is crucial for teaching customers about AI-powered features and for building a robust servicing team. He views these as 'opportunities' rather than challenges. Mr. Sharma further noted regional buying patterns, with South India contributing to 45-50% of business. 'Now, why is it so? Because people are much more educated, there is more literacy, and people are very conscious of what they want to do. And there are a lot of skill-based jobs available, so getting help is not easy,' he observed. Even in a country reliant on manual labour for cleaning, Mr. Sharma sees vacuum cleaners complementing existing help and offering convenience. 'I clearly foresee that the folks in India are very smart, technically-savvy... I see them using these products and doing something much more skill-based. So, it's a natural transition which happens.' Currently, Dreame's products are imported; a common practice for most vacuum cleaner makers in India due to low overall market penetration. However, local manufacturing is a future possibility. 'Because the market size is still small and clearly, over a period of time, if the market demand grows, we will see manufacturing happening here as well, including us,' Mr. Sharma said. He also confirmed no tariff impact on Dreame's products from U.S. policies, as manufacturing is in Asia. Looking ahead, Dreame plans to expand into other product categories in India. On the business environment, Mr. Sharma found the process 'very seamless.' 'I don't see any challenge whatsoever. There are clear guidelines. There are clear policies. You just follow the law of the land and you do your business. It's very simple,' he concluded. Dreame Factsheet Dreame is a Chinese smart home tech company founded in 2017, entering the Indian market in 2023 Dreame CEO Yu Hao is tech-focused and the company has expanded into 120 markets, including India The core line of business is robotic vacuum cleaners but the company is also working on robotic pool cleaners, lawn mowers, and even robotic service caterers in eateries, aside from personal grooming tools Dreame has applied for up to 6,004 patents worldwide Dreame has partnered with Amazon and Flipkart in India, and is planning offline forays that are yet to be announced Dreame signed on Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon as its first Indian brand ambassador as it focuses on growing its service capabilities, developing engineering and technical skills in the country, and expanding into new product categories There are Dreame service centres in over 165 cities at present Due to the low penetration of vacuum cleaners in India, Dreame's products are made in Asia and imported by a distributor in India By the end of 2025, Dreame aims to drive the market and grab the number one spot, especially when it comes to robotic vacuums.
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
‘AI enables convenience, intelligence, and autonomy': Dreame India MD on the future of smart cleaning
'The AI capabilities in our products are more advanced than what you see in other appliances. We use multiple technologies such as LiDAR, 3D structured lights, and cameras all working together with the primary focus on obstacle recognition,' said Manu Sharma, managing director at Dreame India. The executive revealed that the company's robots can identify almost 200 objects with 99 per cent accuracy. This, according to him, is no easy feat, as Dreame uses eight billion data sets to reach this level of precision. In a recent interview with Sharma spoke at length about Dreame's vision for India, AI in lifestyle tech, barriers to adoption, and more. During the conversation, Sharma revealed that in India, the penetration of lifestyle tech products is less than one per cent, signalling massive growth potential. The company, which is known for its futuristic robotic vacuums, sold 1.5 lakh units in 2025. Sharma shared that in 2025, Dreame expects to double its sales. AI-powered cleaning solutions When asked how Dreame is using AI to transform everyday chores through lifestyle tech experiences, Sharma enumerated how they were harnessing AI for their suite of home appliances. Talking about the role of AI, he said that be it wires, shoes, or pets, Dreame's robots can recognise them effortlessly, and the second key focus is stain recognition. ICYMI | 'AI is a tremendous tool to augment you': Manish Gupta of Google DeepMind 'When the AI detects the stain, it activates the cleaning process by releasing more liquid to break it down, cleaning it up and suctioning it repeatedly. For completely wet stains, the absorbent mop dives in to clean it up. For larger debris, such as pet food, the high suction power kicks in. The AI adjusts based on different conditions, making it highly adaptable,' explained Sharma. Another key area is pet recognition, and Dreame machines can identify pets with 99 per cent accuracy and ensure that they avoid bumping into them. Sharma also stressed on the privacy angle. 'All the AI data sits on the machine and is not stored on the cloud. We're very conscious about consumer privacy and follow strict guidelines. Any files that are sent are encrypted, providing an extra layer of security.' Sharma shared that Dreame deploys multiple AI technologies – SLAM navigation, 3D structured light, and cameras to recognise and avoid obstacles. Resonating with Indian users When asked which Dreame device has resonated the most with Indian consumers, Sharma revealed that the L10 Prime is the biggest seller. 'It offers a large-capacity mopping function, and at a price point of Rs 34,999, it's the only product in the market with those features. It's very well received,' he said. The executive said the brand's L series and the X series have captivated Indian users. He shared that these models offer larger dust bins and mopping capabilities at an affordable price point. 'When I joined, the L10 was priced at Rs 54,999; now it's at Rs 49,999, making it even more accessible,' said Sharma, adding that Dreame is number one in the premium segment. Although Dreame is seen as a premium brand, it has a complete portfolio across price ranges. The Indian market is not only price sensitive; consumers are particularly conscious about quality and the longevity of appliances. When asked about the durability of products like the L10 Prime, Sharma, while acknowledging that technology will continue to evolve, said that older Dreame appliances continue to work seamlessly. 'We've been in India for only about six months, and so far, users are having a smooth experience. Of course, like any appliance, proper use and maintenance matter. If users don't clean or maintain the product, that could lead to issues,' he said. Myths about robotic cleaners Dreame is among one of the few brands that are making robotic cleaners available to a wider segment of consumers in India. When asked about the biggest consumer myths or barriers around the adoption of robotic cleaners in India, Sharma acknowledged that anything new and 'outside the hierarchy of basic needs' takes time to be adopted. The executive added that many consumers bought robotic cleaners during the pandemic. 'The early adopters helped drive initial demand. Now, we're seeing more mass adoption, especially in places like South India. In fact, 45–50 per cent of India's robotic vacuum market is in the South,' said Sharma, citing high literacy rates and difficulty in finding domestic help and the innate need to have more control over how their homes are cleaned. The trend, according to Sharma, is not limited to South India; similar trends are being witnessed in major hubs like Mumbai and Gurugram, places where nuclear families, working couples, and solo households are common. 'I wouldn't call these myths or barriers—I'd call it a journey of education. Our biggest job is to inform and educate consumers about what these machines can do,' he said. The main barrier is awareness; however, Indian consumers are tech-savvy. Robotic vacuums or AI-powered lifestyle tech are rapidly making strides, and Dreame, with its unique line of offerings, aims to educate consumers about the potential of these machines. Sharma added that the company is also planning to enter offline retail soon.
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kriti Sanon roped in as Dreame Technology's first Indian brand ambassador
Home and personal appliance-maker Dreame has announced that its first Indian brand ambassador will be Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon. The Chinese technology company was founded in 2017 and produces a range of appliances such as robotic vacuums, wet and dry vacuums, cordless stick vacuums, and grooming tools. Dreame began operations in India in 2023. 'We are extremely delighted to welcome Kriti Sanon into the Dreame family. Her keen interest in technology and forward-thinking mindset align with our vision of redefining Indian homes through intelligent solutions and products. As we continue to introduce cutting-edge innovations in India, her association will reinforce Dreame as the preferred choice for those who appreciate smart living and superior performance,' said Manu Sharma, Managing Director of Dreame India. 'India is an integral part of Dreame's global expansion strategy - it represents a high-growth market, driven by an evolving consumer base increasingly embracing modern, technology-first lifestyles,' he added. Dreame's products, including its home appliances and hair styling tools, are available on Amazon India. The company also offers service options and helplines for its customers. Dreame this month unveiled the Mova K10 Pro Wet and Dry vacuum cleaner priced at ₹19,999. 'I am excited to be a part of Dreame Technology, a brand that resonates with my philosophy of blending innovation with convenience. My lifestyle is fast-paced, and having smart solutions that take care of everyday tasks makes all the difference. With Dreame's smart cleaning and personal care appliances, I can focus on what truly matters while the technology handles the rest,' said Kriti Sanon.
