Faster and more hygienic mopping, without a bucket or heavy machine
When developing a new generation of floor cleaners, Philips had a clear ambition: an electric mop that cleans faster and is easier to use than existing solutions.
In practice, the challenge proved to be greater. Traditional mops use a bucket and reuse the same water, which can cause dirt to spread across the floor. Electric floor cleaners partially solve this problem, but they are often large, heavy and difficult to manoeuvre.
A different approach was taken with the Philips OneUp e-mop: a lightweight device that works like a standard mop, but cleans continuously using clean water.
PEZY helped to translate that concept into a robust and manufacturable product design that combines performance, manoeuvrability, aesthetics and ease of use.
Challenge
The core of the new cleaning concept lies in a system that pumps clean water onto the floor whilst simultaneously draining dirty water into a separate tank. This ensures that the floor is continuously cleaned with clean water, rather than spreading dirt.
However, this principle presented a clear design challenge.
To make the system work, several components had to be integrated into a compact unit: clean and waste water tanks, a pump mechanism, a battery, electronics and a replaceable cleaning pad.
At the same time, the device had to remain light, manoeuvrable and robust, so that users could handle it just like a traditional mop.
The key question therefore became: how do we incorporate an innovative cleaning system into a compact, lightweight product without compromising on reliability, cost and ease of use?
The insight
During development, it soon became clear that the product’s success lay not only in the technology, but in the way all the components come together in a streamlined and intuitive product architecture.
By developing the design in concrete detail, step by step, we gained an understanding of how the various functions interact. Early prototypes, foam mock-ups and functional models made it possible to test the behaviour of components such as the hinge, the water connections and the cleaning head in realistic situations.
This iterative approach made it possible to learn quickly and continuously improve the design. By prototyping at an early stage, design choices could be validated or adjusted before being developed further.
The solution
As part of this development process, PEZY focused on the mechanical design of key components of the product, including the handle, the water tanks, the hinge and the nozzle.
The result is a slim, lightweight electronic mop that moves just as flexibly as a traditional mop, but uses a completely new cleaning principle.
At the heart of the system is a special foam pad that distributes clean water across the floor, absorbs dirt and transports the dirty water to the waste water tank. The pad can be easily replaced and washed in the washing machine, ensuring the system remains practical and durable in daily use.
Result
The end result is an innovative floor cleaner that introduces a new way of mopping.
The Philips OneUp e-mop combines a continuous clean-water system with a lightweight and manoeuvrable design, allowing floors to be cleaned more quickly and hygienically without the need for a bucket.
Through rapid prototyping, mechanical expertise and close collaboration throughout the development process, PEZY helped to create a product that ensures:
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continuous cleaning with clean water
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mop more quickly without a bucket
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a slim and lightweight design for optimum manoeuvrability
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easy maintenance with removable water tanks
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a replaceable and washable foam pad
This project demonstrates that innovation in everyday products often begins with rethinking a familiar usage scenario. By combining technology, product architecture and user experience, a solution was created that makes cleaning floors simpler and more effective.
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