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iRobot flaunts the Mirra 530 pool cleaning robot, sends the Looj 330 abroad
Geeks may not turn as many heads as the shirtless pool-boy as they waft around the grounds, but, thanks to technology, we're finally able to wreak some revenge. The folks over at iRobot have cooked up the Mirra 530, a pool cleaning 'bot that'll sit above the Verro 500 in its lineup of aquatic sanitizers. It'll much through up to 70 gallons of water a minute and will filter debris as small as two microns. Thanks to its iAdapt Nautiq system, it'll even work out the size of your natatorium to determine which cleaning program is the most efficient. At the same time, the company is packing off the Looj 330 gutter-washer to the rest of the world -- the first time it's retailed an outdoor unit outside of the US. Ending the tyranny of Chet (they're always called Chet, aren't they?) will set you back $1,299.99 or €1,499.99 in Europe and will launch in both sides of the pond in the spring, at the same time the Looj arrives in the old world, costing €299.99. Dana Murph contributed to this report.
iRobot trots out Looj 330 gutter-cleaning robot, three entry-level Roombas (video)
With Roomba being the household name that it is, it can be easy to forget that iRobot also makes robots of the outdoor persuasion. In fact, though, the company's been selling its Looj gutter-cleaning bots for five years now, occasionally treating us to demos involving leaves, dirt and fake roofs. Today the company announced the third-generation model, the Looj 330, which has been completely re-tooled to add a four-stage auger, multiple speed settings, an automated "Clean" mode and a lithium-ion battery. It's also a bit more compact this time around, increasing the likelihood it'll fit your gutter. Meanwhile, for those of you who can't bring yourselves to spend $700 on a robotic vacuum cleaner, iRobot is adding some entry-level models to its Roomba lineup: the 620, 630 and 650. Though these cost about half the price of the flagship offerings, they actually feature many of the same technologies, including iAdapt, the sensor arrangement that allows Roomba to crisscross the floor like it does. Here, though, the cosmetic design is different, and you also won't find bells and whistles like capacitive touchscreens or fine Hepa filters. What's more, these guys only use acoustic sensors to detect debris, whereas the pricier models add optical sensors to pick up on lighter particles, like fuzz. All of these products are available now, with the Looj 330 going for $299 and the Roomba 600 series starting at $330. Not in the market for a cleaning bot? You can at least get a vicarious thrill out of our Luge hands-on video, embedded after the break for your viewing pleasure. And yes, those are Goldfish and m&m's flying out of that gutter. It rains snack food here in New York City.%Gallery-162090%%Gallery-162091%%Gallery-162088%
