Evolution Robotics Mint bot is the Swiffer of Roombas, keeps track of its positioning

If you haven't figured out how to clean your floor robotically by now, you might be a lost cause, but Evolution Robotics is willing to give it a try with its new Mint machine. The bot uses regular Swiffer pads, and is designed for cleaning hard floors with a shove of the wet-nap. Outside of its lack of vacuum, the Mint also differentiates itself with its "NorthStar" positioning tech, which lets the bot keep track of its exact location with GPS-style tech, relative to a base station, ensuring that it hits every spot and doesn't waste time with random meandering. Mint should hit retail in Q4 of this year for under $250. Check out a video of it in action after the break.

Evolution Robotics Mint action shots

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[Adam West Posted Jan 7th 2010 11:50PM]

HEY! That green scrubber strip supposed to go in the front!

[Eugene Action Posted Jan 8th 2010 2:37AM]

@Adam West ewww I'M not touching THAT... wheres the robort trash can accessory?

[Middleman Posted Jan 7th 2010 11:51PM]

Looks like a Mac Mini with a wiping cloth attached to it

[MrAffrox Posted Jan 8th 2010 12:10AM]

@Middleman Ha! Before reading the description, I seriously thought it was a computer. I don't know how well this would work though because from my experience, you need a lot of pressure to clean out the tough splotches on the kitchen floor. Or my floors are just filthy.

[Avaviel Posted Jan 8th 2010 12:25AM]

Ha! I agree completely. I just re-read Engadged, and before I ignored this post, thinking it was "just another hard drive." and also thought, "Why was it on the ground?" but did not look closer. Cool design, not very vacuum like.

[ascenvia Posted Jan 8th 2010 12:03AM]

Looks like someone shoved a concrete slab in it's mouth! :)

[djsiek Posted Jan 8th 2010 1:05AM]

So I have a Rovio that uses northstar.

If I get this, I will have to have two sets of northstar in my house.

I love robots, but robotic companies need to create an alliance for accessories that can reduce duplication.

[thevoice2220 Posted Jan 10th 2010 7:28PM]

@djsiek $10 and a cup of coffee that the Rovio Northstar Projector projects spots a different frequency than the mint Projector. Come on...think it through.

[ConceptVBS Posted Jan 8th 2010 1:47AM]

Is it as smart as this Samsung bot?

youtube. com/watch?v=bq5HZzGF3vQ

[bjsguess Posted Jan 8th 2010 1:57AM]

I like this better than my Scooba.

[F C Posted Jan 8th 2010 6:03AM]

The pads will significantly add to the cost of owning this thing. This will see limited use.

[F C Posted Jan 8th 2010 6:54AM]

@F C
And did he say "manuallly plug in"? This thing will not automatically go back to the base to charge? If not, then whats the point? Manually clean AND charge it?

[opollo Posted Jan 8th 2010 7:16AM]

Why cant it have a bluetooth recharging unit, so when it runs low it just pops over to its recharging unit and recharge itself??

[raaaaaa Posted Jan 15th 2010 2:29PM]

I had a roomba it was great but loud as shit, also every time you used it you had to turn it upside down and clean it pulling the hair out of it spinning brushes. it took so long to clean it. this is awesome for a hardwood floors, put me down for 1

[Mr iPhone Posted Feb 7th 2010 3:46PM]

It looks like a mac mini, and probably is because I wouldn't trust a mac to do any thing else in my life!