Brain Corp and Tennant Company announce exclusive technology agreement

Robotic navigation and fleet management systems provider Brain Corp and floor-cleaning vehicle provider Tennant Company recently announced an exclusive partnership to accelerate development and deployment of floor-cleaning robots.

As part of the companies’ joint agreement, Tenant will launch its first purpose-built floor-cleaning robot equipped with Brain Corp’s navigation hardware and software. The companies said Brain Corp’s navigation systems will be available exclusively on Tennant machines for floorcare applications.

With this agreement, Tennant invested $32 million in Brain Corp. Fay West, Tennant Company senior vice president and chief financial officer, will join the Brain Corp board of directors.

Tenant launching first purpose-built floor cleaning AMR

Tenant and Brain Corp’s agreement builds on their existing partnership.

Brain Corp provides AI-enabled navigation and fleet management systems for inventory management, remote site management, and floor care robots, including add-on components enabling floor scrubbers to perform inventory checks. Tenant Company designs, manufactures, and markets cleaning equipment.

The companies said more than 6,500 Tennant cleaning robots have been deployed with Brain Corp’s BrainOS operating systems for autonomous operation.

“This partnership further aligns two companies driven by a shared purpose: to elevate productivity and efficiency, and provide essential support for janitorial teams facing understaffing and overwhelming demand,” said Brain Corp CEO David Pinn.

In the second quarter of 2024, Tennant will launch its X4 ROVR, the company’s first purpose-built autonomous mobile robot (AMR).

The companies said Tenant’s X4 ROVR with Brain Corp navigation systems is a compact floor-cleaning robot specifically designed for operation in smaller spaces, with improved obstacle detection, and enhanced mobility over previous models.

Companies seeking new markets for floor-cleaning AMRs

Tenant and Brain Corp said the X4 ROVR is the first of many planned cleaning AMRs powered by Brain Corp’s systems that will be exclusively available on Tennant equipment.

With this agreement and starting with the X4 ROVR, Tennant will begin offering an all-in-one AMR solution, with equipment and autonomy services bundled as a single package sold by Tennant.

The companies expect the X4 ROVR to drive an increase in robotic cleaning adoption as it provides an on ramp to customers for whom robotic technology has previously been out of reach.

“We are excited to unlock the full potential of next-generation robotic floor cleaning solutions that deliver true business value to customers who use our AMR equipment today, and those who are waiting eagerly for an AMR solution that they can leverage for their businesses,” said Tennant Company President and CEO Dave Huml.

The companies said they expect Tennant’s purpose-built robotic equipment driven by Brain Corp’s AI-enabled autonomous navigation technology will improve the customer return on investment and enable more customers to invest in robotic cleaning.

With their exclusive technology agreement, the companies seek to accelerate building a portfolio of floor cleaning robots to cover more applications.

Want to learn more about getting started with robots?

Watch the March 2024 Robotics 24/7 webcast, titled "How Small and Midsize Businesses Can Get Started With Robots."