Roomba

Roomba
TypeRobotic vacuum cleaner
Inception17 September 2002; 22 years ago (17 September 2002)
ManufactureriRobot
Models madeSee list
Websitehttps://www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba.html

Roomba is a term that refers to a series of autonomous robotic vacuum cleaners made by the company iRobot, and was first introduced in September 2002.[1] Roombas have a set of sensors which help them navigate the floor area of a home. These sensors can detect the presence of obstacles and steep drops (e.g., to avoid falling down stairs).

As of 2024, iRobot markets models of their fourth through tenth generation, while continuing to provide support and sell accessories for their previous series.[2] Various models of the Roomba have different features, including tangle-free brushes, separate sweep canisters, more powerful vacuums, obstacle avoidance, and performance maps displayed via smartphone apps. Newer models also have a camera, which works in conjunction with onboard mapping and navigation software to systematically cover all floor areas, move from room to room, avoid obstacles such as pet waste and charging cables, and find recharging stations.[3]

Roombas allow some modulation and reprogramming. Parts of some models are interchangeable, allowing owners to mix and match features or switch to other units for longer battery operation. Additionally, some units can be adapted to perform more creative tasks using an embedded computer in conjunction with the Roomba Open Interface.

In August 2022, Amazon announced its intention to purchase iRobot, though the acquisition was delayed by regulators in Europe for fear of hurting competition. As of January 2024, these plans were abandoned by Amazon.[4]

  1. ^ "iRobot Corporation:Our History". Irobot.com. Archived from the original on 2012-01-03. Retrieved 2013-11-24.
  2. ^ "Roomba Robot Vacuum Cleaners | iRobot®". irobot.com. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  3. ^ "Roomba Keeps Cleaning the Same Area (12 Reasons and 10 Fixes)". 2022-03-04. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
  4. ^ Satariano, Adam (2024-01-29). "Amazon Scraps Deal to Buy Maker of Roomba Amid Regulatory Scrutiny". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-03-07.