Roomba gets smart!

[singingrainbow]

iRobot just released the new Roomba 980, sporting a host of new features including a vision based mapping system and a smartphone app. Looks like iRobot has ditched the random navigation system used in older models.
Similarly, Neato recently announced an improved model of their botvac series, now with an improved lithium ion battery and again a smartphone app.

Looks like the established robot vacuum companies are bracing themselves for the upcoming Dyson 360 eye, set to release in Japan later this year and in the U.S and Europe early next year, which also has smartphone connectivity.

Scott

http://www.irobot.com/For-the-Home/Vacuum-Cleaning/Roomba.aspx

 

[kirbysthebest]

Those look pretty neat

I would like to have a robotic cat chaser, but their price is way above my checkbook's capabilities.

 

[tolivac]

Not only a cat chaser-but the cat could ride it,too!!!On YouTube they show videos of cats riding on Roomba machines-the cat seems to enjoy the ride--Kitty Roomba Surfing?Also show videos of dogs bewildered by Roomba vacuums!

 

[beko1987]

It would be so cool if they made a remote steer option using your phone, would be the best remote controlled car ever!

 

[parwaz786]

They had a remote control on their original iRobot, seen it years ago on a home shopping channel

 

[sebo_fan]

They are all at it though - even Miele and Samsung have shown off smartphone apps to control the robot disc vacuums and Miele with their washing machines, though I think Samsung have also done it too. At IFA Berlin 2015.

 

[singingrainbow]

Indeed sebofan, many companies are doing this. My excitement comes mainly from the fact that this is the first iRobot machine that tries any of this.

beko, the smartphone app can act as a remote control, plus many older roombas have dedicated remote controls. You might get a kick out of refurbing an old roomba. Lots of fun!

I have to agree though, the prices on many of the premium machines are a bit too high.
Scott

 

[n0oxy]

interesting review

According to the cnet review, the cleaning performance is actually not as good with this new model compared to the previous one, of course, results will be different for each user, but still, for the price, it should do at least as well as the previous generation. I will be interested to see the new neato robot that will have smart phone control features, I have a neato robot now and it works really well.

 

[sebo_fan]

I can see the point of having a smartphone app, but at least there are still robotic discs without that feature.

My LG washing machine stopped mid way a few days ago through its usual quick wash program to alert me that the drain was clogged and needed inspecting. I knew the code very well, having read the same user manual on our previous some 13 year old LG washer. But for those who lose the manual, the LG washer features a smartphone area on the front panel of the washer that sends a Fax like message through to LG customer services where they can let the owner know what the code means. I think its a pointless fad and its not something that I will ever use.

 

[singingrainbow]

One thing I take exception to is the fact that many of these smartphone connected machines can't be fully utilized without the smartphone app. While they can be used it would seem that many of the more advanced features are blocked off.
Scott