Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[iRobot reorganizes, forms new unit focused on Ava and other emerging technologies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/irobot-reorganizes-forms-new-unit-focused-on-ava-and-other-emer/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/irobot-reorganizes-forms-new-unit-focused-on-ava-and-other-emer/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/irobot-reorganizes-forms-new-unit-focused-on-ava-and-other-emer/#comments iRobot has been branching out from its traditional household and military robots for quite a while, and it looks like it's now officially embracing those activities as a core part of its business. The company announced a reorganization (or "strategic realignment") today that will see it comprised of three different business units: Home Robots, Military Robots and Emerging Technologies. That last group includes things like the Ava mobile robotics platform, which iRobot hopes will eventually be used in everything from healthcare to retail to security applications. Alongside that news, the company also announced a bit of an exec shakeup, with Home Robots President Jeffrey Beck being named Chief Operating Officer, and former COO Joseph Dyer switching roles to become Chief Strategy Officer. The company's official announcement can be found after the break.

Continue reading iRobot reorganizes, forms new unit focused on Ava and other emerging technologies

iRobot reorganizes, forms new unit focused on Ava and other emerging technologies originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avairobotirobot avaIrobotAvaJeffrey BeckJeffreyBeckJoseph DyerJosephDyerreorganizationrobotroboticsrobotsroombaWed, 29 Feb 2012 19:19:00 EST<![CDATA[EZ-Robot releases build-your-own kit, realistic Cylons due any time now (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/ez-robot-releases-build-your-own-kit-realistic-cylons-due-any-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/ez-robot-releases-build-your-own-kit-realistic-cylons-due-any-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/ez-robot-releases-build-your-own-kit-realistic-cylons-due-any-t/#comments
DJ Sures' homemade Wall-E was the beginning of his project to bring personal robotics to the masses: thanks to his company, EZ-Robot. The startup sells kits that let you retrofit that Teddy Ruxpin doll in the garage into a fully-functioning killbot. $235 will buy you a wireless controller, ultrasonic distance sensor, wireless tracking camera, three standard servos, two continuous rotation servos, battery pack and software that'll let you control the bot without having to learn to code. The software also includes vision tracking (facial, motion and color), speech recognition and the whole thing will even integrate with your Roomba -- although we're not sure how far you'll get if you ask it for a sandwich.

Continue reading EZ-Robot releases build-your-own kit, realistic Cylons due any time now (video)

EZ-Robot releases build-your-own kit, realistic Cylons due any time now (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CanadianDIsneyDJ SuresDjSuresEZ RobotEZ-RobotEzRobotPersonal RoboticsPersonalRoboticsRobopocalypseRobotRoboticsRoombavideoWall-EMon, 12 Dec 2011 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/brainlink-lets-you-control-your-toy-robots-roombas-before-they/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/brainlink-lets-you-control-your-toy-robots-roombas-before-they/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/brainlink-lets-you-control-your-toy-robots-roombas-before-they/#comments Let's be frank for a minute -- we need to gain control of our robots before they get control of us, so why not start with the robots you've already got taking up space on your shelves at home? At this year's Maker Faire in New York, BirdBrain Technologies showcased a way to hijack your toy robots, Roombas and other bits of home electronics: the Brainlink System. The forthcoming little triangle hooks up to your existing technology, letting you program commands, add sensors to the device and generally teach it new tricks. The company's chief robot designer, Tom Lauwers, showcased the technology on a Robosapien, a TV and a Roomba, the latter of which you can see in the video after the break.

Gallery: Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you

Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you

Continue reading Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you (video)

Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birdbrain technologiesBirdbrainTechnologiesbrainlink systemBrainlinkSystemcontrolhands-onmakermaker faireMakerFairerobosapienrobotroombaTom LauwersTomLauwersvideoMon, 19 Sep 2011 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba Smarbo takes on dirt, Roomba, music playing prowess unclear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/24/toshiba-smarbo-takes-on-dirt-roomba-music-playing-prowess-uncl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/24/toshiba-smarbo-takes-on-dirt-roomba-music-playing-prowess-uncl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/24/toshiba-smarbo-takes-on-dirt-roomba-music-playing-prowess-uncl/#comments Toshiba Smarbo Toshiba is just the latest company to enter the robovac fray. Samsung, ASUS and LG have already tested the waters against the mighty iRobot, now it's Smarbo's turn to try its hand at automated vacuuming. Inside the round floor cleaner are 38 sensors that help it avoid obstacles and keep it from falling down stairs, as well as a CPU or CPUs that sport "double brain function" according to the machine translated PR. The bot is quite quick, supposedly able to clean 100 square meters (over 1,000 square feet) in about 90 minutes, and only uses a few pennies worth of electricity to do so. Toshiba's vacubot will hit shelves in Japan for around $1,100 on October first, but it does suffer one distinct disadvantage -- DJ Smarbo just doesn't have the same ring to it.

Continue reading Toshiba Smarbo takes on dirt, Roomba, music playing prowess unclear

Toshiba Smarbo takes on dirt, Roomba, music playing prowess unclear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botbotscleaningcleaning robotCleaningRobotrobotrobot vacuumrobotsRobotVacuumrobovacroombasmarbotoshibatoshiba smarboToshibaSmarbovacuumvacuum robotVacuumRobotWed, 24 Aug 2011 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Qbo music player robot responds to hand gestures, challenges DJ Roomba to a dance-off (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/qbo-music-player-robot-responds-to-hand-gestures-challenges-dj/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/qbo-music-player-robot-responds-to-hand-gestures-challenges-dj/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/qbo-music-player-robot-responds-to-hand-gestures-challenges-dj/#comments What's a good way to impress your friends? With a robot boom box that responds to your every hand movement, that's how. Meet Qbo, TheCorpora's open-source Linux robot who we've gotten to know over the years, even through his awkward phase. Nowadays, this full grown cutie has stereoscopic "eyes" and a face-identifying system that's capable of learning, recognizing faces, and responding. With his new hand gesture recognition skills, Qbo will start playing music the moment you hold up a fist. Putting your hand out in a "halt" position stops the song and pointing left or right jumps to different tracks in your playlist. Giving Qbo the peace sign increases the volume (yeah, seriously!), while pointing the peace sign down tells him to take it down a few notches. The ultimate party mate and wing man is even so kind as to announce the name and title of the track. The video after the break best explains what hanging with this fellow is like, but if you're keen on textual explanations, just imagine yourself awkwardly doing the robot to control your stereo. Go on, we won't look.

Continue reading Qbo music player robot responds to hand gestures, challenges DJ Roomba to a dance-off (video)

Qbo music player robot responds to hand gestures, challenges DJ Roomba to a dance-off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>djface recognitiongestureslinuxmusicmusic playeropen sourceQBOrobotrobotsroombastereoscopicvideoThu, 04 Aug 2011 06:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Web-controlled tweeting Roomba is a perfect storm of DIY magic]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/web-controlled-tweeting-roomba-is-a-perfect-storm-of-diy-magic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/web-controlled-tweeting-roomba-is-a-perfect-storm-of-diy-magic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/web-controlled-tweeting-roomba-is-a-perfect-storm-of-diy-magic/#comments Web-controlled tweeting Roomba There are three things that will guarantee your DIY project some attention: slap it on a Roomba, base it on Arduino, or make it tweet. Do all three and, well, you've got a nerdgasm-inducing bit of Make fodder. The creation you see above is a web-controlled tweeting Roomba whipped up by Instructables member matchlighter using a 500 series vacuum bot and the Sparkfun WiFly shield for Arduino. The autonomous cleaner can be triggered from anywhere there's an internet connection and updates Twitter to keep you abreast of its status (Ahh! Dock sweet dock). While Mr. matchlighter was kind enough provide directions for building your own, a lot of the actual coding is left up to you. (We're lazy, let us just copy and paste dammit!) If you think you've got the programming chops, hit up the source link for instructions and check out the original's Twitter feed at the more coverage link.

Update: The complete code is in step eight of the Instructable.

Web-controlled tweeting Roomba is a perfect storm of DIY magic originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfinstructablesmatchlightrobotrobotsRoombaroomba 500 seriesRoomba500Seriessparkfunsparkfun wifly shieldSparkfunWiflyShieldtweeting roombaTweetingRoombatwitterweb-controlled roombaweb-controlled tweeting roombaWeb-controlledRoombaWeb-controlledTweetingRoombawifly shieldWiflyShieldFri, 17 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Emoti-bots turn household objects into mopey machines (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/emoti-bots-turn-household-objects-into-mopey-machines-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/emoti-bots-turn-household-objects-into-mopey-machines-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/emoti-bots-turn-household-objects-into-mopey-machines-video/#comments Some emotional robots dip deep into the dark recesses of the uncanny valley, where our threshold for human mimicry resides. Emoti-bots on the other hand, manage to skip the creepy human-like pitfalls of other emo-machines, instead employing household objects to ape the most pathetic of human emotions -- specifically dejection and insecurity. Sure it sounds sad, but the mechanized furniture designed by a pair of MFA students is actually quite clever. Using a hacked Roomba and an Arduino, the duo created a chair that reacts to your touch, and wanders aimlessly once your rump has disembarked. They've also employed Nitinol wires, a DC motor, and a proximity sensor to make a lamp that seems to tire with use. We prefer our lamps to look on the sunny side of life, but for those of you who like your fixtures forlorn, the Emoti-bots are now on display at Parsons in New York and can be found moping about in the video after the break.

Continue reading Emoti-bots turn household objects into mopey machines (video)

Emoti-bots turn household objects into mopey machines (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 06:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoburcum turkmenBurcumTurkmenchairconceptdesignemoitionalEmoti-botemotionemotional furnitureemotional robotEmotionalFurnitureEmotionalRobotfurniturehouseholdkatie koepfingerKatieKoepfingerlampMFAnitinolParsonsprorobotrobot furnitureRobotFurniturerobotsroombastudentuncanny valleyUncannyValleyvideoFri, 20 May 2011 06:07:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot Roomba 700 series hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/irobot-scooba-230-roomba-700-series-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/irobot-scooba-230-roomba-700-series-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/irobot-scooba-230-roomba-700-series-hands-on/#comments
We already had some time with iRobot's new super compact Scooba 230. Now we're here at Digital Experience with the company's new Roomba 700 series bots, which are considerably less compact than the Scooba, but boast a number of improvements over their predecessors -- namely, better cleaning and detection. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look, and head on past the break for a video of the Scooba 230 for good measure.

Gallery: iRobot Scooba 230, Roomba 700 series hands-on

Continue reading iRobot Roomba 700 series hands-on

iRobot Roomba 700 series hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 23:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011hands-onirobotroombaroomba 700roomba 700 seriesRoomba700Roomba700Seriesscoobascooba 230Scooba230videoWed, 05 Jan 2011 23:13:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot unveils super-compact Scooba 230, new Roomba 700 series]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/irobot-unveils-super-compact-scooba-230-new-roomba-700-series/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/irobot-unveils-super-compact-scooba-230-new-roomba-700-series/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/irobot-unveils-super-compact-scooba-230-new-roomba-700-series/#comments Our friends at iRobot have shrunken its hardwood cleaning child -- not Roomba, the other one -- to about half the diameter of its predecessors (6.5 inches). The Scooba 230 is maintains the same 3.5-inch height and, more importantly, is just as programmable as every other model (in an unfortunate twist of irony, it's now thinner than a Kinect sensor). Speaking of Roomba, the company's also unveiling the new 700 series with a number of cleaning and detection improvements. All autonomous cleaning discs will be available in the Sprint from iRobot's online store with the prices ranging from a penny under $300 for Scooba 230 and $450 / $500 / $550 for the Roomba 760, 770, and 780. More shots / hands-on below; full details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: iRobot Scooba 230 hands-on


Gallery: iRobot Scooba 230 and Roomba 700 series

Continue reading iRobot unveils super-compact Scooba 230, new Roomba 700 series

iRobot unveils super-compact Scooba 230, new Roomba 700 series originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>230760770780cesces 2011ces2011engadget awardsengadget awards 2011EngadgetAwardsEngadgetAwards2011hands-onirobotroombaroomba 700roomba 760roomba 770roomba 780Roomba700Roomba760Roomba770Roomba780scoobascooba 230Scooba230videoMon, 03 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tutorial guides Kinect hackers into iRobot territory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/tutorial-guides-kinect-hackers-into-irobot-territory/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/tutorial-guides-kinect-hackers-into-irobot-territory/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/tutorial-guides-kinect-hackers-into-irobot-territory/#comments
Impressed by some of the Kinect hacks using a Roomba or iRobot Create but don't know where to start? Well, the folks at ROS have now provided just that in the form of a tutorial that guides you through the process of combining two of the most hackable devices of recent years. Of course, that's hardly just a plug-and-play process (hence the need for a lengthy tutorial), but ROS does give it a "beginner" rating, and it should be relatively straightforward for anyone with some basic hardware hacking skills. As for what you do once you get the two connected, well, you're on your own there -- but we're sure there will be plenty more tutorials where this one came from before too long.

Tutorial guides Kinect hackers into iRobot territory originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackingirobotirobot createIrobotCreatekinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectroombatutorialThu, 02 Dec 2010 15:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Pulito, the Lego Mindstorms swiffer-bot that seeks out electricity (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/pulito-the-lego-mindstorms-swiffer-bot-that-seeks-out-electrici/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/pulito-the-lego-mindstorms-swiffer-bot-that-seeks-out-electrici/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/pulito-the-lego-mindstorms-swiffer-bot-that-seeks-out-electrici/#comments You could certainly buy a ready-made robot to sweep your hardwood floors, but doesn't building your own out of Lego bricks sound like loads more fun? That's what PlastiBots did with the Pulito pictured above, a Lego Mindstorms NXT sweeper with a host of sensors to navigate around furniture and a standard Swiffer pad to scrub. There's no fancy NorthStar or Celestial navigation packages to keep the bot on track, so it meanders about much of the time, but there is an fancy infrared beacon on the robot's charging dock to guide the creature home. When the Pulito's running out of juice from a long, tiring session of painstakingly traversing your floors, it's programmed to automatically seek out that invisible light and receive a loving 12 volt embrace from the station's brass charging bars. See it in action after the break, and hit our source link for more.

[Thanks, Dave]

Continue reading Pulito, the Lego Mindstorms swiffer-bot that seeks out electricity (video)

Pulito, the Lego Mindstorms swiffer-bot that seeks out electricity (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>floor cleaningFloorCleaninglegolego mindstormslego mindstorms nxtLegoMindstormsLegoMindstormsNxtmindstormsnxtpulitorobotrobot cleanerrobot vacuumRobotCleanerroboticsrobotsRobotVacuumroombaswiffervideoMon, 15 Nov 2010 09:16:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot patents 'Celestial Navigation System' for the Roomba]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/irobot-patents-celestial-navigation-system-for-the-roomba/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/irobot-patents-celestial-navigation-system-for-the-roomba/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/30/irobot-patents-celestial-navigation-system-for-the-roomba/#comments While Roomba's automated approach to floor cleaning might've been novel for its day, its random bumbling is starting to look dated, particularly in comparison to laser-guided, ultra smart vacuums like the Neato XV-11. Well, iRobot is naturally not going to take this lying down, and the company has received a patent for a new "Celestial Navigation System" based on IR beacons bounced off walls and ceilings that the Roomba can track and calculate its position from. It doesn't sound as fancy as Neato's completely self-contained system, and it'll require the setup of multiple beacons throughout the house to make the bot self-sufficient, but we're guessing it requires less processing and gadgetry on board to pull off -- which hopefully means Roomba can stuff this into bots cheaper than Neato's $400 XV-11. Mint, which was supposed to ship this summer from Evolution Robotics, uses a similar system to the one iRobot is proposing and has a rumored price of under $250.

iRobot patents 'Celestial Navigation System' for the Roomba originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celestial navigation systemCelestialNavigationSystemirirobotnavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystempatentrobotrobot navigationrobot vacuumRobotNavigationRobotVacuumroombavacuumvacuum cleanerVacuumCleanerThu, 30 Sep 2010 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[PIRO's Windoro bot cleans windows Roomba-style]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/piros-windoro-bot-cleans-windows-roomba-style/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/piros-windoro-bot-cleans-windows-roomba-style/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/piros-windoro-bot-cleans-windows-roomba-style/#comments We all need a little more Roomba in our lives. PIRO's Windoro promises to do for windows what the Roomba does for floors, with a flat, autonomous robot free-roaming across a surface and cleaning it in the process. Of course, it's a little tougher to cling to a window than to crawl across carpet, so Windoro is a two part bot, connected to its reciprocal cleaning companion via neodymium magnets. Unfortunately it seems like it'd be a bit of a pain to get these two started and to switch windows -- for windows that don't open it would require two people, and for windows that do open it would still be pretty treacherous. Maybe something has been lost in translation, or maybe we just don't get it, but PIRO expects 50 billion won in sales (about $43 million US). No word on how much the bot will cost, video of the bot's streak-free results are after the break.

Continue reading PIRO's Windoro bot cleans windows Roomba-style

PIRO's Windoro bot cleans windows Roomba-style originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pirorobotroombavideowindorowindow cleaningwindow cleaning robotWindowCleaningWindowCleaningRobotwindowsThu, 23 Sep 2010 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Roomba QuadDrive: because riding around on Roombas isn't just for cats]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/roomba-quaddrive-because-riding-around-on-roombas-isnt-just-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/roomba-quaddrive-because-riding-around-on-roombas-isnt-just-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/roomba-quaddrive-because-riding-around-on-roombas-isnt-just-fo/#comments You saw it, you loved it: the Roomba-riding cat was an international sensation because it touched something deep within our souls. A primal desire to witness a cat astride a robot steed. But deep down you longed for something more. You pondered in inner monologue: "What if you put a whole robot on top of four Roombas working in tandem? And what if that robot was kind of creepy, like as if a human face was behind a plastic mask and it had bizarrely fake lips?" We're pretty sure you know where this is going. Behold the University of Bonn's Robotinho, surfing the Roomba QuadDrive. The QuadDrive system can blaze across the floor at a blistering 1 mph, and carry a 44 pound payload, but surely there could be no more fitting a payload than Mr. Creepster himself, Robotinho. Check it out after the break, the platform can be spied at around the 2:00 mark.

Continue reading Roomba QuadDrive: because riding around on Roombas isn't just for cats

Roomba QuadDrive: because riding around on Roombas isn't just for cats originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnquaddriverobotrobotinhoroombaroomba quaddriveRoombaQuaddriveuniversity of bonnUniversityOfBonnvideoTue, 08 Jun 2010 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese manufacturer sticks IP webcam on robot vacuum, calls it a day]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/chinese-manufacturer-sticks-ip-webcam-on-robot-vacuum-calls-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/chinese-manufacturer-sticks-ip-webcam-on-robot-vacuum-calls-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/chinese-manufacturer-sticks-ip-webcam-on-robot-vacuum-calls-it/#comments
 WiFi-controlled sentry robots have been our playthings for a few years now, but sure as Sunday morning, they don't help us get much work done. Why would you, when you can discreetly spy on your house, kids and neighbors from the convenience of a web browser? That's what we thought. But now, there's a robot to assuade your guilty conscience: the G182, a complete VoIP webcam system built on top of a pseudo-Roomba. Sure, a Roomba-cam isn't really anything new, but while you wait for the real deal to shake off its economic funk (if it ever does), this yellow disc is the next best thing. For the low, low price of $500, you can once again feel like you're accomplishing something -- vacuuming floors and yelling at the kids to do chores -- while dodging the daily grind. Full specs and loads more pics at the source link.

Chinese manufacturer sticks IP webcam on robot vacuum, calls it a day originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G182roombasentrysentry robotSentryRobotspy cameraSpyCameravacuumvacuum cleanervacuum cleanersVacuumCleanerVacuumCleanersVoIPwifiwifi robotwifi webcamWifiRobotWifiWebcamTue, 16 Mar 2010 06:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Screen Grabs: DJ Roomba mixes business with pleasure on Parks and Recreation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/screen-grabs-dj-roomba-mixes-business-with-pleasure-on-parks-an/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/screen-grabs-dj-roomba-mixes-business-with-pleasure-on-parks-an/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/09/screen-grabs-dj-roomba-mixes-business-with-pleasure-on-parks-an/#commentsScreen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com.
An automated vacuum cleaner that pumps out rap while tidying your mess? Call us crazy, but this very well may be the most intelligent thing the United States government has ever done.

Continue reading Screen Grabs: DJ Roomba mixes business with pleasure on Parks and Recreation

Screen Grabs: DJ Roomba mixes business with pleasure on Parks and Recreation originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleancleanercleaningcomedydj roombaDjRoombafunnyhilariousipodipod accessoryipod nanoipod sound systemipod speaker systemIpodAccessoryIpodNanoIpodSoundSystemIpodSpeakerSystemlogitechparks and recreationParksAndRecreationroombaScreen GrabsScreenGrabstelevisiontvvacvacuumTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Roomba saves child from deadly Viper, challenges Tango to a fight]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/27/roomba-saves-child-from-deadly-viper-challenges-tango-to-a-figh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/27/roomba-saves-child-from-deadly-viper-challenges-tango-to-a-figh/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/27/roomba-saves-child-from-deadly-viper-challenges-tango-to-a-figh/#comments
We've always known that the Roomba was something of a bad-ass -- iRobot, after all, has quite a reputation within the defense industry -- so we weren't surprised when one of the autonomous vacuum cleaners took down a certain Vipera palaestinae (a venomous snake found in the Middle East). Considered a leading cause of snakebites within its geographic range, the snake was found mangled 'round one of the robot's rotating brushes when Eli and Efi Frida returned to their home in Galilee, which they share with their two children, aged four and seven (as well as several cats and dogs). "We were very lucky," said Eli, "If the snake would have hid in the house and bitten one of the children it could have ended badly."

Roomba saves child from deadly Viper, challenges Tango to a fight originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>irobotisraelrobotroombasnakeviperFri, 27 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Autonomous Roombas do Pac-Man right (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/autonomous-roombas-do-pac-man-right-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/autonomous-roombas-do-pac-man-right-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/autonomous-roombas-do-pac-man-right-video/#commentsAutonomous Roombas do Pac-Man right (video) We've seen mixtures of Roomba and Pac-Man before, but nothing like this. A team of developers have hacked five floor-cleaning bots to create a sort of OCD version of the game, with the Pac-Man bot sucking up little white rectangles whilst being chased by robot incarnations of Inky, Pinky, Blinky, and Clyde. But, when the Pac-Man vacuum finds a power pellet those ghostly rovers turn blue and start fleeing. The tech is supposed to be a demonstration of the developers' Unmanned Aerial System suite, designed for guidance of airborne vehicles, but we're too busy geeking out to care about potential real-world applications of this tech. Video below.

Continue reading Autonomous Roombas do Pac-Man right (video)

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Autonomous Roombas do Pac-Man right (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousgamehackpac-manrobotroombaMon, 09 Nov 2009 08:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Patent app shows Roombas pooping on potties, being big boys]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/patent-app-shows-roombas-pooping-on-potties-being-big-boys/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/patent-app-shows-roombas-pooping-on-potties-being-big-boys/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/patent-app-shows-roombas-pooping-on-potties-being-big-boys/#commentsPatent app shows Roombas pooping on potties, being big boys
Roomba vacuums tend to be pretty self-sufficient, cleaning floors, committing burglaries, and even making futile attempts at communication. Cleaning themselves, however, is something they cannot do, but that may change if a recently unearthed 2007 patent application filed by iRobot ever results in an actual product. The app shows a variety of designs for docks that would either suck the detritus right out of your little guy or replace its dirt cartridge altogether, strip any wound-up hair from its brushes, and then send it back on its way to give your cat a lift to is litter box. No word on whether iRobot has something based on these designs anywhere near production-ready, but we wouldn't recommend giving away that robot changing table.

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Patent app shows Roombas pooping on potties, being big boys originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>irobotirobot roombaIrobotRoombapotty trainpotty trainingPottyTrainPottyTrainingroombaroomba dockRoombaDockself-cleaningself-cleaning roombaSelf-cleaningRoombavacuumMon, 01 Jun 2009 11:22:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot's new Roomba patent could clean those hard to reach areas, get stuck there]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/irobots-new-roomba-patent-could-clean-those-hard-to-reach-areas/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/irobots-new-roomba-patent-could-clean-those-hard-to-reach-areas/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/irobots-new-roomba-patent-could-clean-those-hard-to-reach-areas/#comments
When most kids our age were cutting class to play Mike Tyson's Punch Out, the latch key kids over at Robot Stock News were taking apart their step father's vacuum. And as we grew up, all the while developing relationships with cellphone tipsters and eventually becoming successful tech bloggers in our own right, the Robot Stock News kids were also able to take their obsessive geek tendencies and make a name for themselves -- combing the interwebs, paying off high priced vacuum ninjas, and scouring the US Patent database for any and all news featuring many of our country's leading autonomous vacuum cleaners. They must have been really stoked to stumble upon a patent filed in November 2008, entitled "Compact Autonomous Coverage Robot." As far as we can tell, this document (filed by iRobot) details a Roomba with a squared off front, designed to hit those hard to reach corners that the traditional circular device cannot. This design change, while it seems minor, actually lends a level of complexity to the device: a square robot requires more complex programming, lest it get stuck in a niche that its round faced predecessor could never reach in the first place. Of course, there's no telling when (or if) this one will see the light of day, but you'll know as soon as we do. Promise.

[Via Robot Stock News]

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iRobot's new Roomba patent could clean those hard to reach areas, get stuck there originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>irobotpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationroombavacuumvacuum cleanerVacuumCleanerTue, 26 May 2009 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Roomba hacked to trail sand on your floor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/video-Roomba-hacked-to-trail-sand-on-your-floor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/video-Roomba-hacked-to-trail-sand-on-your-floor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/video-Roomba-hacked-to-trail-sand-on-your-floor/#comments
Of all of the Roomba mods we've seen, this is definitely one of them. Just in time to celebrate its entry into the Robot Hall Of Fame, the heads at iRobot have mashed up the happy-go-lucky autonomous vacuum with an old inkjet printer, creating a device that can not only indulge in something called Rangoli, but look great doing it. Just make sure you have another one of these guys on hand to sweep up after you're done playing. As you are no doubt aware, Rangoli is a traditional form of Indian sandpainting -- but we're guessing that the "iRobot" and "i (heart) Robots" messages are not among the motifs one usually finds in front of people's homes and places of worship on the Subcontinent. Check it out on video after the break.

Continue reading Video: Roomba hacked to trail sand on your floor

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Video: Roomba hacked to trail sand on your floor originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhacksIndiairobotirobot roombaIrobotRoombamodmodsrangoliroombasandpaintingTue, 12 May 2009 16:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot Hall of Fame expands to include Da Vinci, Terminator, Roomba]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/11/robot-hall-of-fame-expands-to-include-da-vinci-terminator-room/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/11/robot-hall-of-fame-expands-to-include-da-vinci-terminator-room/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/11/robot-hall-of-fame-expands-to-include-da-vinci-terminator-room/#comments
Forget those "sporting" Halls of Fame -- the real HOF is right here. Since 2003, the Robot Hall of Fame has been honoring robots and creators at an exhibit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now we're seeing the latest handful of noteworthy creatures take their rightful place in history. For those unaware, the Robot HOF is maintained by Carnegie Mellon University and the Carnegie Science Center, and an international jury of researchers, writers, and designers has just selected five new bots to join the cast: Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, the T-800 Terminator (yes, that Terminator), the Da Vinci surgical system, iRobot's Roomba and 'Huey, Dewey, and Louie' from the 1972 sci-fi flick Silent Running. Could you have imagined a more fitting five? If so, sound off below!

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Robot Hall of Fame expands to include Da Vinci, Terminator, Roomba originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 May 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carnegie Mellon UniversityCarnegieMellonUniversityCMUDa VinciDaVincihall of fameHallOfFameIrobotmarsmars roverMarsRovermedicalOpportunityrobotRobot Hall of FameRobotHallOfFamerobotsroombaSpiritsurgerysurgicalsurgical robotSurgicalRobotT-800T-800 TerminatorT-800TerminatorTerminatorMon, 11 May 2009 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Roomba mod allows it to pick things up, hand them to you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/10/roomba-mod-allows-it-to-pick-things-up-hand-them-to-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/10/roomba-mod-allows-it-to-pick-things-up-hand-them-to-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/10/roomba-mod-allows-it-to-pick-things-up-hand-them-to-you/#comments
Sure, we've seen some wild Roomba mods, but overall it's pretty much a low-to-the-ground affair -- unless you get the cats involved, of course. That's apparently changing, though -- check out this robotic grasping system, which can pick up foreign objects and deliver them to you at about waist height. The system was 95 percent effective in picking up objects of all sizes and shapes during trials, and it was apparently quite simple to build and code. Nice for a Roomba, sure, but we'd rather be partying with SOBEaR. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Travis]

Continue reading Roomba mod allows it to pick things up, hand them to you

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Roomba mod allows it to pick things up, hand them to you originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 May 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grasperheathcare robotics labHeathcareRoboticsLabirobotirobot roombaIrobotRoombarobotrobot handRobotHandroombaroomba createRoombaCreateSun, 10 May 2009 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Roomba's journey shown to be endless, beautiful]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/09/roombas-journey-shown-to-be-endless-beautiful/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/09/roombas-journey-shown-to-be-endless-beautiful/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/09/roombas-journey-shown-to-be-endless-beautiful/#comments
We've always suspected our Roomba was actually performing a complex dance loaded with hidden meaning and bewitching charm instead of just bouncing around, and now we've got proof -- check out this long-exposure shot of a Roomba's path over 30 minutes. You can see the initial spiral path in the center, but after that it's a free-for-all that somehow manages to cover the entire room. Now if someone would just make a high-speed video set to the Benny Hill music, we'd be all set.

[Via DoobyBrain]

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Roomba's journey shown to be endless, beautiful originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 May 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>long exposurelong exposure photographylong-exposurelong-exposure photographyLong-exposurePhotographyLongExposureLongExposurePhotographyrobotroombaSat, 09 May 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's recession antidote: win an iRobot Roomba Pet 562!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-an-irobot-roomba-pet-562/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-an-irobot-roomba-pet-562/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-an-irobot-roomba-pet-562/#comments
This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff / companies stop sending things. Today we've got an iRobot Roomba Pet 562 on offer. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting!

Special thanks to iRobot for providing the gear!

The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share the name of your favorite pet, that would be cool too (FYI: ours are Salvador and Penny)
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one iRobot Roomba Pet 562. Approximate value is $399.
  • If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
  • Entries can be submitted until Mondy, March 30th, 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.

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Engadget's recession antidote: win an iRobot Roomba Pet 562! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>562antidotecontestengadgets recession antidoteEngadgetsRecessionAntidotegiveawayirobotrecessionroombaroomba petroomba pet 562RoombaPetRoombaPet562Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[University of Calgary researchers teach little robots to be scared of angry humans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/university-of-calgary-researchers-teach-little-robots-to-be-scar/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/university-of-calgary-researchers-teach-little-robots-to-be-scar/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/17/university-of-calgary-researchers-teach-little-robots-to-be-scar/#commentsUniversity of Calgary researchers teach little robots to be scared of angry humans
It's one thing to prepare for the future's inevitable robot uprising by building bigger and better weapons, but a pacifist might say the simpler approach would be to simply avoid conflict altogether -- by making our autonomous underlings cower in fear before us and our mighty emotions. That's the idea (sort of) behind some research taking place at the University of Calgary, which relies on an OCZ Neural Impulse Actuator to monitor the stress levels of a real, live, human being. That stress level is then communicated to a poor, defenseless Roomba, which was taught get out of the way and look busy whenever the wearer got angry. It's a long way from the three laws and saving the human race as a whole and all that, but this could play a major part in preserving future human/robot relations -- at least in the living room. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via Technology Review]

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University of Calgary researchers teach little robots to be scared of angry humans originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>neural impulse actuatorNeuralImpulseActuatoroczocz neural impulse actuatorocz niaOczNeuralImpulseActuatorOczNiarobotroombauniversity of calgaryUniversityOfCalgaryTue, 17 Mar 2009 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Renegade Roomba trips home alarm, cops underwhelmed upon arrival]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/renegade-roomba-trips-home-alarm-cops-underwhelmed-upon-arrival/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/renegade-roomba-trips-home-alarm-cops-underwhelmed-upon-arrival/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/renegade-roomba-trips-home-alarm-cops-underwhelmed-upon-arrival/#comments
Note to Roomba owners -- shut that bad boy off before leaving the house and arming the alarm system. In what we can only imagine was a pretty comical scene, a runaway Roomba in a Denmark home tripped the motion sensors after it acted on its itch to suck up a few pints of dust and debris while its owners were out on the town. Once the alarm was tripped, authorities were automatically phoned in to see what kind of shenanigans were going on. Needless to say, it proved difficult to charge the innocent looking autovac with breaking and entering, but we hear it has been tagged and given a parole officer just in case it tries to cut loose in the future.

[Thanks, morten]

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Renegade Roomba trips home alarm, cops underwhelmed upon arrival originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarmcomedycopsdenmarkfunnyglobalpoliceRoombavacuumTue, 09 Dec 2008 08:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Caption contest: cat driving Roomba -- is not so impressed, actually]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/caption-contest-cat-drives-roomba-is-not-so-impressed-actua/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/caption-contest-cat-drives-roomba-is-not-so-impressed-actua/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/caption-contest-cat-drives-roomba-is-not-so-impressed-actua/#comments

This is one nonplussed feline, folks. No, he doesn't mind zooming around on the Roomba all day for the humans to videotape, upload to YouTube and laugh at around "the office" all day. Sure, he'll humor you, go ahead and caption -- capshun, if you will -- him until you're blue in the face. He'll have the last LOL. Oh yes, he will.

Josh F.: "The perpetual cat-hair, spot-cleaning cycle ultimately spelled doom for this unlucky Roomba, much like tic-tac-toe did in WOPR in 1983."
Paul: "Must do no harm, must do no harm... wait, does that only apply to humans?"
Chris: "HOVERCAT IZ ON UR CARPIT / STEALIN UR DIRTZ" or "iRobot's demonstration of Roomba's new 'fight or flight' algorithm is an unqualified failure."
Laura: "What part of this is the food?"
Thomas: "Take your complaints up with the staff, Rrrroomba. There's one holding the camera now."

[Via bookofjoe]

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Caption contest: cat driving Roomba -- is not so impressed, actually originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caption contestCaptionContestcatcatsfeaturedvideofeaturesroombavideoThu, 20 Nov 2008 00:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Roomba 530 Wall-E edition proves even robots are corrupted by money]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/10/roomba-530-wall-e-edition-proves-even-robots-are-corrupted-by-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/10/roomba-530-wall-e-edition-proves-even-robots-are-corrupted-by-mo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/10/roomba-530-wall-e-edition-proves-even-robots-are-corrupted-by-mo/#comments
It's 2008 and we've finally achieved the ultimate goal of modern robotics. No, not singularity... better: a cross-promotional marketing deal between the world's leading robots. Meet the Wall-E edition of iRobot's Roomba 530. The special edition Roomba is just like the original 530 only with the addition of that magnificent sticker for a extra ¥5,000 (about $50) premium. 400 units of the limited run vacuumbots are scheduled to go on sale in Japan for ¥,84,500 (tax inclusive) starting November 20th. Tsk tsk, what's Eve going to say?

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Roomba 530 Wall-E edition proves even robots are corrupted by money originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>530disneyirobotjapanpixarroombaroomba 530Roomba530wall-eMon, 10 Nov 2008 05:11:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot's Roomba Pet torments the dog, sweeps away dander]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/03/irobots-roomba-pet-torments-the-dog-sweeps-away-dander/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/03/irobots-roomba-pet-torments-the-dog-sweeps-away-dander/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/03/irobots-roomba-pet-torments-the-dog-sweeps-away-dander/#comments
iRobot just announced its new Roomba Pet robotic vacuum cleaners. Boasting the core tech found in the 530 and 560 series of vacuums, the Roomba 532 ($349) and more advanced 562 ($399, includes on-board scheduling) Pet series feature higher capacity sweeper bins; counter-rotating, carpet-digging brushes; and additional accessories to keep those brushes hair and dander free. We hear it's pretty good at herding the kids too. Available now.

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iRobot's Roomba Pet torments the dog, sweeps away dander originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>532563irobotrobotroombaroomba petRoombaPetWed, 03 Sep 2008 06:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Balance Board used to control Roomba... for reasons unknown]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/26/wii-balance-board-used-to-control-roomba-for-reasons-unknown/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/26/wii-balance-board-used-to-control-roomba-for-reasons-unknown/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/26/wii-balance-board-used-to-control-roomba-for-reasons-unknown/#comments
For Roomba hacking extraordinaire longjie0723, it's just another day in the office. Grasping for one more way to control the circular vacuum with something video game-related, he keyed in on the Wii Balance Board. Granted, he's already had success controlling the Roomba with a Wiimote, so we assume that whipping this one up was a lesson in simplicity. We still can't really understand why this here hack is necessary, but unlike decisions made by publicly traded companies, independent DIYers don't need no logic to get their mod on. Video after the cut.

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

Continue reading Wii Balance Board used to control Roomba... for reasons unknown

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Wii Balance Board used to control Roomba... for reasons unknown originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance boardBalanceBoardbluetoothhackroombavacuumvideowiiwii balance boardWiiBalanceBoardTue, 26 Aug 2008 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Pac-Man Roomba created with 448 LEDs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/pac-man-roomba-created-with-448-leds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/pac-man-roomba-created-with-448-leds/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/pac-man-roomba-created-with-448-leds/#comments
We were beginning to wonder if the Roomba hacking community had been sucked dry of ideas, but leave it to longjie0723 to give us hope yet. This Roomba hacker (yeah, he also rigged his up for Wiimote control) managed to solder 448 yellow LEDs onto a board and program said devices to move in such a way that a Pac-Man-type image is seen. C'mon, who hasn't dreamed of having that ghost-inhaler work his magic on those forsaken floors? Check the video after the jump.

[Via Hack N Mod]

Continue reading Pac-Man Roomba created with 448 LEDs

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Pac-Man Roomba created with 448 LEDs originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diyhackledpac-manpacmanroombavacuumvideoThu, 05 Jun 2008 06:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Study finds Roomba owners heart their vacuums, accept flaws]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/01/study-finds-roomba-owners-heart-their-vacuums-accept-flaws/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/01/study-finds-roomba-owners-heart-their-vacuums-accept-flaws/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/01/study-finds-roomba-owners-heart-their-vacuums-accept-flaws/#commentsWhile we greatly appreciate the research done by the fine folks over at Georgia Tech, we can't exactly say that we're shocked to hear that Roomba owners (in particular) actually care about their vacuums. In a study revolving around the intricacies in human-robot relationships, gurus found that "some Roomba owners became deeply attached to the robotic vacuums and that there was a measure of public readiness to accept additional robots in the house -- even flawed ones." Interestingly, the report goes on to state that consumers would be less likely to complain if troublesome / faulty household bots were "emotionally engaging," and considering that some folks were willing to "buy new rugs, pre-clean floors and purchase refrigerators with higher clearances" for their Roomba, we suppose we can't really argue with the findings. Now, robot manufacturers, don't you go ditching quality just 'cause we're pushovers, capiche?

[Image courtesy of Halo5]

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Study finds Roomba owners heart their vacuums, accept flaws originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attachmentemotionsgeorgia techGeorgiaTechiRobotrelationshiprelationshipsresearchroombastudyuniversityMon, 01 Oct 2007 23:04:00 EST<![CDATA[HD video: Roomba 560 vs Discovery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/hd-video-roomba-560-vs-discovery/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/hd-video-roomba-560-vs-discovery/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/hd-video-roomba-560-vs-discovery/#comments
Anyone at all interested in home robots -- especially those too lazy to vacuum their own floors -- will want to see just how well iRobot's new Roomba 560 fares against its predecessor, the Discovery. Well, we've pitted the two against one another in noise, speed, cable management, docking, and, of course, ability to destroy one another. Embedded player after the break.

P.S. -Forgive our shabby carpet, the dudes who rented the place before us took really sucky care of the joint.

[MP4] Download in 720p HD (139MB)
[MP4] Download in wide VGA (40MB)
[AVI] Download in 720p HD (139MB)
[AVI] Download in wide VGA (40MB)

Continue reading HD video: Roomba 560 vs Discovery

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HD video: Roomba 560 vs Discovery originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've been fooling around with a new Roomba 560 of our very own and we can say with some certainty iRobot's really improved on its product. Unfortunately, that isn't saying a whole lot; while we've always loved the Roomba for what it is, we've never been too impressed with the job it does. Still, the built-in scheduler is just such a welcome addition, and the robot is much quieter and generally feels far better built than its predecessor. The fact that the internals are better sealed is also a huge bonus, since we've long found ourselves cleaning our Roomba's innards out nearly as much as its vacuum bin. Jury's still out on the Lighthouses -- it's a decent idea, definitely, but we'd really prefer if the robot actually started trying to learn where things (and its own position in real space) are instead of just using battery-operated stations to tell it which rooms it's already visited. But hey, baby robot steps, right? Photo gallery below.

Gallery: iRobot Roomba 560 hands-on

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iRobot Roomba 560 hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 03:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>560featureshands-onirobotroombaWed, 22 Aug 2007 03:47:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot's new Roomba 560, 530: totally redesigned vacuumbots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/irobots-new-roomba-560-530-totally-redesigned-vacuumbots/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/irobots-new-roomba-560-530-totally-redesigned-vacuumbots/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/irobots-new-roomba-560-530-totally-redesigned-vacuumbots/#comments
iRobot hasn't released a new, proper Roomba servantbot since late 2004's Discovery (Scooba, of course, excepted). Today that changes, with the 560 and 530 we caught wind of back in May. There's a lot going on here, so we'll start at the top:
  • iRobot is touting these new Roombas as being "totally redesigned" from the ground up.
  • The new vacuum system is supposedly 100% more effective at picking up the grime in your floors. Really makes the old model suck. Thanks, we'll be here all week.
  • The 560 features 2.4GHz RF that activates its new Virtual Wall Lighthouse system (we'll get to that in a sec. The 530 doesn't have RF.
  • Scheduling is now built into the robot. Friggin FINALLY!
  • The new Roombas have IR sensors built into the bumper, and have a second, slower running speed. When Roomba is approaching an object, it slows down so as not to bump it so hard.
  • Lighthouses are Roomba's new RF-based progress tracking system. Place one in each doorway, and they switch on via RF when your Roomba does. When Roomba's done with a room, it won't re-enter until the next time it runs.
  • The battery is still removable, but you have to unscrew the bottom plate to get it out. Oh, and now you can add faceplates.
  • The system is far better sealed off, so most of the crap you're vacuuming up supposedly won't actually get inside the robot anymore. Extra bonus: that black arc between the bumper and buttons is a handle that lies flush.
  • The 560 goes for $350, the 530 goes for $300 -- snag 'em both starting now.

Gallery: iRobot's new Roomba 560, 530: totally redesigned vacuumbots

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iRobot's new Roomba 560, 530: totally redesigned vacuumbots originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>530560breaking newsBreakingNewsirobotroombaWed, 22 Aug 2007 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[SK Telecom develops phone-controlled cleaning bot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/sk-telecom-develops-phone-controlled-cleaning-bot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/sk-telecom-develops-phone-controlled-cleaning-bot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/sk-telecom-develops-phone-controlled-cleaning-bot/#comments
SK Telecom, never wanting to be outdone by clever hackers in producing totally useless and bizarre devices that no one really needs, is in the final development stages on a Roomba-style robot that can be controlled by your mobile phone. The circular cleaning bot will be able to receive direction from a phone user on where to scrub, buff, and vacuum, while the controller views all of the exciting, floor-sweeping action on his or her cell phone via a built-in camera at the front of the bot. This should be the prefect product for those who feel the Roomba makes life too easy by cleaning a room on its own -- although it's possible that this technology could be adopted by legions of young men hoping to get a better look up women's skirts. Only time will tell.

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SK Telecom develops phone-controlled cleaning bot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleaningmobileremote controlRemoteControlrobotroombask telecomSkTelecomvacuumFri, 27 Jul 2007 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[SK Telecom develops phone-controlled cleaning bot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/sk-telecom-develops-phone-controlled-cleaning-bot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/sk-telecom-develops-phone-controlled-cleaning-bot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/27/sk-telecom-develops-phone-controlled-cleaning-bot/#comments
SK Telecom, never wanting to be outdone by clever hackers in producing totally useless and bizarre devices that no one really needs, is in the final development stages on a Roomba-style robot that can be controlled by your mobile phone. The circular cleaning bot will be able to receive direction from a phone user on where to scrub, buff, and vacuum, while the controller views all of the exciting, floor-sweeping action on his or her cell phone via a built-in camera at the front of the bot. This should be the prefect product for those who feel the Roomba makes life too easy by cleaning a room on its own -- although it's possible that this technology could be adopted by legions of young men hoping to get a better look up women's skirts. Only time will tell.

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SK Telecom develops phone-controlled cleaning bot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleaningremote controlRemoteControlroombask telecomSkTelecomvacuumFri, 27 Jul 2007 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Roomba revisions coming in September?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/29/roomba-revisions-coming-in-september/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/29/roomba-revisions-coming-in-september/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/29/roomba-revisions-coming-in-september/#comments

There's not much that gets us more excited than new cleaning bots -- yes, we're unabashed iRobot fanboys -- so we always want to be the first to know when a fresh product comes along (we did a little happy dance with our dog when the Roomba for Pets was announced earlier this month). Luckily, then, we caught wind of the linked thread on Roomba Review (your home for all things, um, Roomba), in which a purported insider delivers some details and pics of upcoming revisions to the Scheduler, Discovery, and Roomba Red models: the 560, 530, and 510 (whose supposed retail packaging is pictured above), respectively. New features are said to include a 'lighthouse (peripheral to indicate which room is cleaned)' and integrated display, with upgrades also coming in the form of a redesign (pictured after the break), easily-swappable parts (wheels, motors, etc.), greatly improved battery life (1,500 hours versus the current 350, allegedly), and automatically-activated virtual walls. Pricing will range from CAD$300 to CAD$450 ($279 to $418), according to the RR member, so now we have to squirrel away at least that amount of dough along with however much more it's gonna cost to pick up those completely new bots we've been promised for the holidays.

[Via Electronista]

Continue reading Roomba revisions coming in September?

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Roomba revisions coming in September? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2007 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>510530560cleaningirobotroombarumorsTue, 29 May 2007 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Airsoft Roomba kits up with plastic pellets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/20/airsoft-roomba-kits-up-with-plastic-pellets/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/20/airsoft-roomba-kits-up-with-plastic-pellets/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/20/airsoft-roomba-kits-up-with-plastic-pellets/#commentsWe always knew that the eventual robotic rebellion would come in stages (and would start with Roombas), so while many may take a childish satisfaction in seeing an innocent Roomba hacked up to shoot Airsoft BB pellets, we're constantly aware that this is another step towards the ultimate annihilation of all meat-based life forms. "Cool Bots!" MAKE cries, oblivious to the destructive potential pent up inside the little hoover's circuitry -- it's thinking: "I don't even need to try, they're giving me weapons!" Fortunately, this is very much an early stage killer robot, as the photos over on isobot's flickr stream attest. The modified Roomba may look menacing with its red laser sight, but it appears as if the little thing can't aim its plastic payload any higher than a few inches off the ground, limiting its targets to feet and unsuspecting house cats. Of course, that red laser also gives it more than a passing similarity to a certain infamous robot / human hybrid. Today, Airsoft; tomorrow, assimilation?

[Via MAKE]

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Airsoft Roomba kits up with plastic pellets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirsoftBBRoboticRoombaUprisingFri, 20 Apr 2007 13:40:00 EST