“R” is for “robot” - and “relax”
By J.J. Hudson
It may be several decades before we can introduce the likes of Rosie the robot of “The Jetsons” into our living rooms, but single-function robots that save us from tiresome and dirty tasks both inside the home and out- can make interesting and useful gifts. A robot is the gift that keeps on giving and giving as long as the batteries stay charged.
Robots for Inside
The leading manufacturer of affordable cleaning robots is iRobot. Its Roomba vacuuming robot and Scooba floor washing robot have all been honored with Best of Innovations Design and Engineering Awards at the International Consumer Electronic Showcase (CES).
The Roomba at first appears to be a hockey puck on “smart” steroids. The 500 Series models are programmable so that it vacuums when you want it to, whether you are home or not. The 560 model ($350) comes with “lighthouses” to help the little bot navigate between rooms and its charging base. When its batteries start running low it rolls back to the base for more juice.
Even though the 500 series Roombas are an improvement over previous generations, they are still challenged by corners and various kinds of throw rugs. Improvements allow it to better deal with tassels, power cords and cables. Furthermore, the newest generation of Roombas are reported to be less likely to get stuck underneath furniture and in tight corners.
“All Roomba and Scooba robots feature iRobot’s unique AWARE™ Robot Intelligence System. AWARE uses dozens of sensors to monitor the robot’s environment, and adjusts the robot’s behavior up to 67 times per second, ensuring that the robot cleans effectively, intelligently and safely,” explained Cristina Addesa, Marketing Manager for Home Robots at iRobot. “As an example, this intelligence is what enables the Roomba and Scooba to sense stairs or other drop-offs. They clean up to the edge then automatically and safely change direction to avoid going over edges.”
The Scooba 380 ($500) looks much like its Roomba cousin, though its function is washing hardwood, tile and linoleum floors. The robot uses a special Clorox cleaning solution and is able to wash underneath tables, chairs and other hard-to-reach places.
Perhaps the Roomba and Scooba better fit our definition of robot as they move around the house apparently of their own volition. In contrast, Bissell’s SpotBot ($130) doesn’t move at all. The owner simply sets SpotBot on top a carpet stain. SpotBot’s rotating brushes and cleaning solution works up both fresh and set-in stains. The operation is entirely hands-free, and the bot’s “Automatic Smart System” seems to know just how much it must scrub to get the job done.
Robots for Outside
The latest creation from iRobot, Looj ($100), fits into most standard K-style rain gutters and cleans them of leaves and other debris. The company reports it can clear a 60-foot section of gutter in 10 minutes. Though not a robot in a general sense (it is remote controlled), it certainly makes the annoying task of cleaning gutters both quicker, cleaner and safer - no more endless trips up and down a tall ladder.
Additionally, who wouldn’t want to take a nap while at the same time having their lawn mowed by a robotic helper? Friendly Robotics RL-1000 Robomow ($1,900) available at Sears and Sam’s Club, and the new LawnBott LB3200 Evolution ($2,500) available on lawnbott.com, are pricey solutions to the problem of lawn upkeep, but they are relatively quiet and easy to maintain, that is once wires are set down along the borders of the lawn and the slow-but-steady mulching machines are programmed.
Like the Roomba, both robotic lawn mowers are designed to find their charging base once they start losing their electric zip. Battery life is often reported to be less than predictable, and mowing in neat little rows is certainly not a normal behavior. Again, they are more expensive than many other mowers, but they don’t use gas, they don’t release emissions, the owner is liberated from the chore and of course it makes a popular conversation topic with the neighbors.
Published December 13, 2007 in The News Tribune.
