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Sharp Cocorobo vacuum avoids obstacles, embraces small talk

Brian Heater — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:17:00 EST

With iRobot cleaning up in the robotic vacuum game, it's only logical that some major manufacturers like LG and Samsung want a piece of the dirt sucking action. Sharp has gotten into the game as well -- though the company's 'bot goes the extra mile for cleanliness. Cocorobo TX-V100 has voice recognition functionality and will happily talk back, courtesy of its "voice communication," which includes phrases like the ominous "I understand." The little floor cleaning disk also has infrared sensors for avoiding obstacles and a built-in camera, so you can observe your sparking abode from a carpet view while you're out. Cocorobo will be invading Japanese households this June. Check out a video of the 'bot in action after the break.

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Sharp Cocorobo vacuum avoids obstacles, embraces small talk originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Distro Interview: MSI Senior Vice President and co-founder, Jeans Huang

Richard Lai — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:14:00 EST

The MSI brand should be no stranger to connoisseurs of desktop motherboards, graphics cards and gaming laptops, but did you know that this Taiwanese company started off as a computer terminal maker 26 years ago? To find out more, we sat down with the very likable Senior Vice President (R&D Division) Jeans Huang. Read on to hear the co-founder's interesting story on how MSI was formed by five ex-Sony engineers, his frank reason behind MSI's reluctance to enter the smartphone market, and his thoughts on 3D display on the PC.

Continue reading The Distro Interview: MSI Senior Vice President and co-founder, Jeans Huang

The Distro Interview: MSI Senior Vice President and co-founder, Jeans Huang originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyson's engineers head off to the races, create dragsters using spare parts, DC-16 motors (video)

Joe Pollicino — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:23:00 EST

Dyson engineers certainly know a thing or two about creating innovative vacuums and ~~fans~~ Air Multipliers, but did you know they've also dabbled in the world of high-speed racing? Such is apparently now the case, as these folks were tasked with building go-kart drag racers out of spare parts, resulting in a variety of wheeled wonders viaing for the fastest run on a makeshift strip in the office. Of course, there was a catch -- all of the dragsters had to use the motor from Dyson's DC-16 handheld vacuum in a battle for maximum torque. We won't spoil the outcomes for you, so scroll down to catch a video mashup of all the hijinks in the video below.

Continue reading Dyson's engineers head off to the races, create dragsters using spare parts, DC-16 motors (video)

Dyson's engineers head off to the races, create dragsters using spare parts, DC-16 motors (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyson's DC39 stateside-bound, couples canister footprint with 'Ball'-functionality come March

Dante Cesa — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:09:00 EST

Lest you thought its previous 'City' endeavors were the pinnacle of diminutive bag-less suction, here comes Dyson with the DC39. Previously available elsewhere, the British company's latest canister will soon sashay into the US for a cool $499. That's a sizable wad of cash, yet that investment nets you access to a diminutive vacuum stuffed with the company's 'Ball' technology -- enabling a teensy unit already capable of a lot of suck to be infinitely more maneuverable. That's apparently no small feat, as it took seventy engineers more than three years to stuff over a hundred components into that spherical derriere. Those interested can look for it mid-March -- for the rest of us, PR and a cutaway of its insides await after the break.

Continue reading Dyson's DC39 stateside-bound, couples canister footprint with 'Ball'-functionality come March

Dyson's DC39 stateside-bound, couples canister footprint with 'Ball'-functionality come March originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IRL: Kirby Sentria, Sony bloggie-MHS-FS1 and the OLPC XO laptop

Engadget staff — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Let's just cut to the chase: this week's IRL is a little schizophrenic. On the one hand, you've got Andy singing his bloggie's praises, Terrence waxing philosophical about his unused OLPC XO and Darren ranting about his grandmother's vacuum cleaner. Do you like camcorders that are not a smartphone? Do you despise door-to-door Sentria salesmen? Good. Let's hit it, then.

Continue reading IRL: Kirby Sentria, Sony bloggie-MHS-FS1 and the OLPC XO laptop

IRL: Kirby Sentria, Sony bloggie-MHS-FS1 and the OLPC XO laptop originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IRL: Kingston Wi-Drive, Dyson DC35 and being an Ubuntu fanboy

Engadget staff — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

The lively comments in yesterday's Nest thermostat post got us thinking: for all our talk of smartphones and Ultrabooks, it's the mundane, not-glamorous stuff that we're spending most of our money on. Take Brad, for instance, who had to make room in his iTunes library for the Aladdin soundtrack and had to get creative after maxing out his iPhone's (non-expandable) storage. Or Zach, who felt not one, but two vacuum cleaners were necessary in his bachelor pad. And at least one of us avoids paying anything by choosing to tinker around in Ubuntu. How'd Brad make do with his 16GB of fixed storage? Why is Zach such a compulsive cleaner? And who's the Linux fanboy on staff? Meet us after the break to find out.

Continue reading IRL: Kingston Wi-Drive, Dyson DC35 and being an Ubuntu fanboy

IRL: Kingston Wi-Drive, Dyson DC35 and being an Ubuntu fanboy originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neato's XV-12 robot vacuum cleans your floors dressed in white for $400

Terrence O'Brien — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST

It cleans, it's hackable and has a laser guidance system -- what more could you ask of your Neato Robotics vacuum cleaner? You want it to assassinate those dust bunnies while dressed in white? Well then, you'll want to check out the company's latest offering, the XV-12. This successor to the XV-11 automated sucker doesn't appear to add much in the features department, but it does get a shiny new coat of "misty white" paint and is available exclusively through Target for $400. The big selling points here are still the constantly updating room maps that the XV series creates using lasers mounted on top and what the company claims is the "strongest suction available in any robotic vacuum cleaner." For some more details check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Neato's XV-12 robot vacuum cleans your floors dressed in white for $400

Neato's XV-12 robot vacuum cleans your floors dressed in white for $400 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iOS-controlled iW500 RC car defies gravity, paint job may drive you up the wall (video)

Mat Smith — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST

Driving cars on the floor is so passe, which is exactly why you need iHelicoter's wall-scaling iW500. We've seen similar gravity-defying propositions in the past, but this is the first to be controlled by your iOS device. Belying its 90s toy looks, the car attaches itself to vertical surfaces with a sealed vacuum that even has enough suck to drive upside-down across your ceiling. As you'll see in the video after the break, controls are handled using the built-in accelerometer on your phone or tablet as well as the touchscreen interface on the dedicated app. It'll join a crowded starting grid of iPhone-friendly RC cars, helicopters and monster trucks, priced at $59.99.

Continue reading iOS-controlled iW500 RC car defies gravity, paint job may drive you up the wall (video)

iOS-controlled iW500 RC car defies gravity, paint job may drive you up the wall (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyson intros Hot AM04, aims to change the home heating game (video)

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:59:00 EST

Leave it to James Dyson to give your ordinary household appliance a new spin. Tonight in New York City, Mr. Dyson took to the stage in order to properly unveil his latest gizmo -- the $399.99 Dyson Hot AM04. As its name suggests, this is the company's latest ~~fan~~ Air Multiplier, but with a ceramic heating element to keep your toes toasty. On those muggy summer days, you'll be able keeps things breezy similar to previous Air Multipliers, and when the winter's bitter cold hits, you'll be able to heat things up anywhere from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 99 degrees -- caliente. The unit is designed much like a jet's wing, bringing air in from its bottom grills and amplifying it six times as it soars out through the ducts.

Interestingly enough, we're told that the heating element stays at one preset temperature, measuring the room until it reaches the level you tell it to. As you'd expect, an inbuilt safety mechanism flips the whole thing off if it tips over. With its tiltable base or an included IR remote, you'll be able to change the temperature, choose between ten fan speeds and set it into an oscillation mode. Better yet, the remote magnetically clings to the top of the unit -- perfect if you're prone to losing things. It's currently available in white or silver directly from Dyson (though a remote-less version is tipped for those looking to save a few bucks), and you'll find more details in the PR past the break.

Gallery: Dyson Hot AM04 hands-on

Continue reading Dyson intros Hot AM04, aims to change the home heating game (video)

Filed under: Household

Dyson intros Hot AM04, aims to change the home heating game (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Hom-Bot 2.0 Smart Robot Vacuum Cleaner hands-on (video)

Zach Honig — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:29:00 EST

Smile, you're on Vacucam! LG's Hom-Bot (RoboKing in the US) was zipping around its own special playpen on the stage at the company's IFA booth today, picking up the occasional speck of dust and using its dual cams to spy on bloggers and Germans, while also diligently avoiding a plastic family dog along its ten-square-foot cube of real estate. The bot's Smart ThinQ technology enables it to interact with an Android or iPhone app, which you'll use to watch a live video feed from its built-in cam, send it rolling to a specific point in the house in "Patrol" mode, or adjust settings. You can also log in remotely, assuming your Hom-Bot is powered up and has a WiFi connection. Official US and Euro pricing and availability hasn't been announced yet, but an LG rep suggested we'll see it in the €500-700 range (about $710-995 US). Cameras and interactivity are nice and all, but that's a lot to spend on any vacuum cleaner. Today's trade show sneak peek is probably the closest we'll be getting to this pricey little vac, so roll past the break for some super action footage.

Gallery: LG Hom-Bot 2.0 Smart Robot Vacuum Cleaner hands-on

Continue reading LG Hom-Bot 2.0 Smart Robot Vacuum Cleaner hands-on (video)

LG Hom-Bot 2.0 Smart Robot Vacuum Cleaner hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyson unleashes DC41 Animal vacuum cleaner for pigpen apartments

Amar Toor — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:11:00 EST

We normally wouldn't leave our housework in the hands of an animal, but Dyson's new DC41 Animal vacuum cleaner may force us to reconsider. The company's latest Ball-based sweeper uses Dyson's proprietary (and complicated-sounding) Radial Root Cyclone technology to maximize its 235 air watts of suction power -- most of which is concentrated at the cleaner's head. It also ships with a mini turbine head, which you can use to clean up the hair that real animals leave on your car seat. In true Dysonian fashion, however, this Ball-bearing beast won't come for cheap. You can scoop one up at the source link below, for a cool $600.

Dyson unleashes DC41 Animal vacuum cleaner for pigpen apartments originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG launches 'RoboKing Triple Eye' smartphone-controlled vacuuming robot

Lydia Leavitt — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:35:00 EST

You won't have to leave your post on the couch, but you will have to lift a finger to your smartphone in order to tidy up with LG's 'RoboKing Triple Eye' VR6180VMNV robot vacuum. Unlike it's purple cousin who spends his time looking inwards, this little guy is always looking outward with its three cameras, capturing video and sending it to your smartphone or PC over WiFi. The robot uses sensors to create a ~~plan of attack~~ map of your home, allowing you to move it around by clicking the filthiest parts. Like a well-trained puppy, the dust buster also responds to voice commands from up to 5 feet away and it doesn't even bark -- only emitting 48dB of sound while sucking up dust. Of course, laziness of this caliber doesn't come cheap, as it costs 899,000 Korean won, or around $840 bones.

LG launches 'RoboKing Triple Eye' smartphone-controlled vacuuming robot originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:29:00 EST

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.

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Fukushima plant operator uses modded robot vacuum to suck up radioactive dirt (video)

Dana Wollman — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:58:00 EST

A few months ago, back when Japan was freshly reeling from that devastating earthquake and tsunami, it became obvious that robots could help survey radiation levels in Fukushima, even if they were powerless to lower them. Now, Tokyo Power Electric Co., the company that operates the damaged nuclear plant, is experimenting with an ad hoc system designed to clean at least some of the radioactive dirt from the reactors. What you see in that clip below is an industrial-grade vacuum cleaner attached to a Warrior, the most heavy-duty of iRobot's mobile bots. The idea is that workers can control the system from a safe distance, and let the robot handle the dirty work of removing toxic sand and debris. Head past the break to see it in action, combing the floor of the (eerily) empty plant.

Continue reading Fukushima plant operator uses modded robot vacuum to suck up radioactive dirt (video)

Fukushima plant operator uses modded robot vacuum to suck up radioactive dirt (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG RoboKing vacuum bot can self-diagnose, ask for help after colliding with your Roomba

Dante Cesa — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:39:00 EST

Sick of all those one-way chats with your Roomba 700? LG's got you covered with its latest self-diagnosing robotized cleaning assistant. The newest RoboKing -- the VR6172LVM -- will set you back 779,000 Won (around $730), and apparently sports a low noise 48dB design (when it's not talking, we presume). Most intriguing to us, however, is the bot's ability to run diagnostics at the press of a button, enunciating its ailments if any one of the fourteen testable components are, in-fact, broken. We imagine your carpet would be happy to welcome Robo to the family, but when you have two pets to brush and all kitty can do is meow, we surmise the vacuum will come forth as King.

LG RoboKing vacuum bot can self-diagnose, ask for help after colliding with your Roomba originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gecko-inspired water-powered robot scales glass, washes windows (sort of)

Christopher Trout — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:55:00 EST

We've seen some pretty impressive Spidey-like robots in our time, but honestly, crawling walls isn't always enough to pique or interest. A robot that can scale buildings and wash windows -- now that's something to get excited about. Like this little wall climber, the gecko-inspired machine enlists the Bernoulli principle, using the flow of water through fluidic vacuum generators that allow the reptilian robot to get a grip on smooth surfaces. Next, the water is directed through a solenoid valve to a piston in the robot's spine, and finally, the excess liquid is expelled and used to get glass gleaming. Currently, the little machine is capable of carrying twice its weight, and uses a small battery to power a "wireless communication system" and the servos used to control its direction. We're definitely intrigued, but judging from the video (after the break), we're pretty sure it's no match for flesh and blood window washers.

Continue reading Gecko-inspired water-powered robot scales glass, washes windows (sort of)

Gecko-inspired water-powered robot scales glass, washes windows (sort of) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Climbing robot can scale walls on a supersonic stream of air, won't leave fingerprints behind

Amar Toor — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:41:00 EST

There are plenty of wall climbing robots roaming the Earth, but few can scale heights as gracefully as this little guy can. Developed by researchers at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, this bot can wind its way across any glass, metal or cloth terrain, without even touching its pods to the surface. The secret lies in Bernoulli's Principle, which states that as the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. This phenomenon also applies to streams of air, which, when moving at high speeds around of a circular gripper, can create a vacuum strong enough to hold things without actually touching them. In this case, air shoots out of the robot's feet at more than 2,000 miles per hour, creating enough pressure to lift the craft, while holding it close to the wall. The technology isn't new, but rarely can it support the weight of an entire device -- let alone the extra cargo that this climber's non-contact adhesive pads can hold. Researchers say the supersonic grippers will be available in "some months" and will probably cost "a few hundred dollars." As for the bot itself, Canterbury's engineers envision it being used for industrial inspections -- though the more we think about it, the more we realize just how dirty our windows are. Video after the break.

Continue reading Climbing robot can scale walls on a supersonic stream of air, won't leave fingerprints behind

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Samsung 'TangoView' vacuum surveillance camera will bring you to your knees

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:44:00 EST

In a new milestone testing the limits of convergence, Samsung has just released a WiFi-connected robotic vacuum cleaner with an integrated "TangoView" home monitoring system onto the unsuspecting families and pets of Korea. Like LG's Hom-Bot, first seen at CES in January, Samsung's latest Tango cleaner (model VC-RL87W) features an integrated video camera that lets PC, smartphone, and tablet owners treat the vacuum as a remote controlled surveillance camera when not sweeping the floors. The relatively quiet vac operates at 48dB and features a microphone and external lighting. Why? Why not, we say, assuming you can get past the KRW799,000 (about $711) price tag.

Gallery: Samsung 'TangoView' vacuum surveillance camera will bring you to your knees

Samsung 'TangoView' vacuum surveillance camera will bring you to your knees originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's Tango Stealth robo-vacuum is a quiet intruder

Tim Stevens — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:01:00 EST

Special forces can leave no trace and make no sound, but Samsung's Tango Stealth vacuum does them one better: not only is it quiet but it picks up the traces others have left. It's the latest in a long line of robo-vacs from the company and it's the quietest, making just 50db of noise while dutifully looking for targets of opportunity on your hardwood. It'll start shipping in Korea soon at a price of 750,000 Won -- about $670. Special faces do cost more than normal ones.

Samsung's Tango Stealth robo-vacuum is a quiet intruder originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG's Thinq automated oven, refrigerator, and washer / dryer are the future now (hands-on)

Thomas Ricker — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:32:00 EST

Ah, the connected home... the ultimate Jetsonian fantasy that refuses to come true. LG's doing its best to change that with its Thinq lineup of connected appliances announced and demonstrated for the first time here in Las Vegas. The details of connectivity and interoperability are scarce but we do know that the appliances support both WiFi and ZigBee connectivity in order to communicate with each other, your in-home smart meter, and with smartphones when outside of the home. So far, LG has announced four Thinq devices including a vacuum, fridge, oven, and washer and dryer pair. That's a pretty strong foundation to build from especially if your home is already equipped with ZigBee devices like automated light switches, window controllers, and locks. Each LG appliance brings a rather lengthy list of features many of which are accessible remotely on a smartphone app (Android was demonstrated). It's just hard to fathom how useful they are without a humanoid robot capable of moving the finished wash into the dryer or putting the porkroast in the oven. And while being able to look up the contents of your fridge as you enter the supermarket sounds compelling, knowing that the owner has to manage the list manually (there's no UPC code scanner and RFID is still just a dream) tarnishes our enthusiasm quite a bit. Still, Thinq is definitely a step in the right direction. Watch LG make its pitch after the break.

Gallery: LG's Thinq automated oven, refridgerator, and washer / dryer are the future now (hands-on)

Continue reading LG's Thinq automated oven, refrigerator, and washer / dryer are the future now (hands-on)

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Foki vacuum footwear concept lets you walk in Roomba's shoes

Donald Melanson — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:58:00 EST

They may not be the first vacuum shoes to emerge in concept form, but these so-called Foki shoes from designer Adika Titut Triyugo are certainly the most stylish -- at least in an ASIMO chic sort of way. They also boast a few new tricks not seen before, including an LED display on top that indicates how much dirt you've picked up, and a unique deign that allows them to be completely folded up when not in use. Of course, "concept" is the key word here, but we've got to guess there's an untapped market out there for wearable appliances. Dust Buster gloves, anyone?

Foki vacuum footwear concept lets you walk in Roomba's shoes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyson City review

Tim Stevens — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:02:00 EST

When it comes to vacuums it's obvious that we tend to like the ones that propel themselves -- your Roombas and your XV-11s and the like. But, when it comes to getting something properly clean sometimes you need to break out the manually modulated models, and those from Dyson tend to be the most coveted. The $399 Dyson City is the latest, a little sucker for those with smaller floor plans and shorter attention spans. But, we think it's good enough for country folk too.

Gallery: Dyson City DC26

Continue reading Dyson City review

Dyson City review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iRobot patents 'Celestial Navigation System' for the Roomba

Paul Miller — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:52:00 EST

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.

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What would happen if you put your hand in the Large Hadron Collider? Er, well, um... (video)

Vlad Savov — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:28:00 EST

Scientists, they've made our lives infinitely easier, healthier, and longer, but sometimes even their giant intellects can be stumped. Here we have a perfect example of such a scenario, where the seemingly innocuous question of what might happen if one were to dip a hand inside the Large Hadron Collider has generated a wide range of hypotheses, none of which sound particularly assured of being correct. The trouble is that, aside from the known unknowns -- such as whether the accelerated protons would crash and explode upon contact with your hand or just pass through -- there are surely unknown unknowns that will likely become apparent only once you try to do the act itself. So, any volunteers?

Continue reading What would happen if you put your hand in the Large Hadron Collider? Er, well, um... (video)

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Neato XV-11 robotic vacuum review

Tim Stevens — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:03:00 EST

We've been waiting since December to get our hands on the Neato XV-11 robot vacuum. In preparation we steadfastedly refused to sweep up a single flake of dust, going on something of a cleaning strike until the thing finally hit retail. Of course, that wait was supposed to be a mere three month affair, and we've certainly gone that long without vacuuming before. The further six months of delays, however, left us questioning our resolve as Engadget HQ became less and less livable. Finally we've been able to unleash this smartypants vac onto our filthy floors, and all we can say is that it was well worth the wait.

Gallery: Neato XV-11 robotic vacuum

Continue reading Neato XV-11 robotic vacuum review

Neato XV-11 robotic vacuum review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Little Spiderman uses vacuum cleaners to climb buildings, win the hearts of the ladies

Laura June — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:11:00 EST

The enterprising youngster you see above had a dream. A dream to become like his superhero, Spiderman, who isn't real. Nobody really believed him or thought his ideas about how to achieve his goals were very good, but, as you can see from the photo, he's got the last laugh. Hibiki Kono, using two cheap, 1,400 watt vacuum cleaners he bought at a grocery store to begin scaling walls of local buildings, and impressing all of his new friends. His mother's not that into him doing it in the house -- she's afraid he'll destroy the walls and ceiling -- but as you can see from the video below, the sight is pretty impressive.

Continue reading Little Spiderman uses vacuum cleaners to climb buildings, win the hearts of the ladies

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

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Neato XV-11 ships out next month, will assassinate dust bunnies for money

Vlad Savov — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:34:00 EST

Let's face it, a geek's solution to keeping floors clean will typically involve either family members, robots, or a combination of both. For the latter two groups, we've got news that Neato's XV-11 is all set to start shipping this week, with retail and expanded online availability by mid-July. The XV-11's biggest selling point is a laser-based room mapping system that will theoretically allow it to avoid objects other robo vacuums would detect only by impact. That should also deliver more efficient route planning for the little sucker, while the saved up energy will be channeled into what Neato claims is "the world's most powerful robotic vacuum system." Whether such brazen claims are enough to merit your $399, we leave up to you. Sure looks like a mean machine, though.

Continue reading Neato XV-11 ships out next month, will assassinate dust bunnies for money

Neato XV-11 ships out next month, will assassinate dust bunnies for money originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MSI robot vacuums invade Computex, set sights on Roomba (updated)

Donald Melanson — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:26:00 EST

We don't have a ton of details on these just yet, but MSI has rolled into Computex with something of a surprise: a new line of robot vacuums. As you can see, they look remarkably similar to iRobot's Roomba vacuums, and they apparently come in three different versions: the standard M800 Smart Vacuum Robot, the R500 Slim Vacuum Robot, and the R1300 Security Vacuum Robot, the latter of which adds a camera and internet connectivity for some low-level surveillance. No word on pricing or availability just yet either, but MSI has at least kindly put together a wonderfully soothing promotional video. Check it out after the break.

Update: We've been told from the floor at Computex that MSI will begin shipping its new robots in Q1 2011 for about $150 (model R500), $450 (M800), and $600 (R1300). They are still undecided if this will include North American and European markets.

Continue reading MSI robot vacuums invade Computex, set sights on Roomba (updated)

MSI robot vacuums invade Computex, set sights on Roomba (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mint automatic floor cleaner up for pre-order, shipping this summer

Darren Murph — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:51:00 EST

It's not like the automatic vacuum cleaner market could get much more crowded, but Evolution Robotics has put an interesting twist on things with its Swiffer-packin' Mint. If you'll recall, we saw this guy wiping up the downright disgusting floors of the Las Vegas Convention Center back in January, and now it looks as if production plans are moving along nicely. Equipped with a NorthStar positioning technology that enables it to never hit the same spot twice on the same run, this hardwood sweeper is now up for pre-order. Unfortunately, getting in line requires a non-refundable $20 deposit, but the outlay will be applied to the purchase price and will enable you to snag one of the first shipments this summer (which is significantly more awesome than waiting for it to hit retail shelves in Q4). Don't worry -- your Roomba won't be too envious.

Mint automatic floor cleaner up for pre-order, shipping this summer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chinese manufacturer sticks IP webcam on robot vacuum, calls it a day

Sean Hollister — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:59:00 EST

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.

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Samsung's Navibot robot vacuum charting European living rooms in April

Tim Stevens — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:17:00 EST

Roomba has ruled the roost when it comes to domestic chores for a long time -- too long. It's getting some serious competition from Samsung, which is finally going to unleash one of its robovacs onto the rest of the world. Well, to Europe anyway. The Navibot is set to spread its wings across the EU in March, having been apparently warmly received in limited Italian tests last year. The bot captures 30fps video of your abode, documenting your feng shui and charting the most efficient course around your coffee table and the display case that houses your TMNT collection. It's even sophisticated enough to pick up where it left off should it run out of juice mid-stride, after returning home for a recharge, but that kind of smarts will cost you: €399 for the basic model with a single virtual wall, and €499 for a slightly posher version with touch-sensitive buttons and a second virtual wall. There's no word on an American release just yet, meaning Roomba's home turf is safe -- for now.

Filed under: Household, Robots

Samsung's Navibot robot vacuum charting European living rooms in April originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Darren Murph — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:48:00 EST

Screen 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.

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Dyson's City DC26: finally, a sucky vacuum for those in studio apartments

Darren Murph — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:47:00 EST

We've been duly impressed with the Dyson vacs that we've encountered in the past, but one thing's for certain: these things are large. Even the comparatively small DC23 Turbinehead is too gangly for cramped living quarters, but it seems the company that makes ends meet by being exceptionally good at snorting foreign matter from floors has a solution. The newly launched City DC26 is aimed at studio apartments and other small living areas where full-size vacuum cleaners simply aren't welcome. It purportedly took five years of development to create a Dyson vac small enough to sit atop an A4 sheet of paper without any overhang, but it's now available to London's most cramped citizens for £249.99 ($403). There's nary a word on a Stateside release, but we're guessing yesterday would be a good time to start saving.

Dyson's City DC26: finally, a sucky vacuum for those in studio apartments originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS ECleaner is ready to rumble with the Roomba

Vlad Savov — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:33:00 EST

Judging by the comparative explosion of robo vacuum releases this month, you might think 2010 is all set to be the year of the automated floor sanitizer. Augmenting that impression is ASUS, who has now made its heavyweight presence known with the newly announced ECleaner, to be released under the AGAiT brand. This new bot comes with a UV light for disinfection, a fragrance slot, the usual photo sensor to prevent it from falling off a cliff, and naturally a remote control for the hands-on househusband. The biggest attraction though -- beyond that killer paintjob -- is likely to be the $150 price tag, which significantly undercuts most of what's out on the market right now. Video of the little spherical hipster lies after the break.

Continue reading ASUS ECleaner is ready to rumble with the Roomba

ASUS ECleaner is ready to rumble with the Roomba originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG RoboKing adds second camera, seeks to escape Roomba shadow

Vlad Savov — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:25:00 EST

We know, we know -- the original Roomba saves children from peril, plays real-life Pacman, and steals its owners' hearts away, but let's give LG's refreshed autonomous robovac a chance, shall we? Now equipped with two cameras (claimed to be an industry first) and lowering operational noise to a more bearable 50dB, the RoboKing is back in town and pining for your attention. It's more compact than its previous iteration, stretching up to only 90mm, and it's also said to be 30 percent faster on the job. Nice gains, to be sure, but we'd still like to see how this machine handles before we're convinced. Bonus video after the break.

Continue reading LG RoboKing adds second camera, seeks to escape Roomba shadow

LG RoboKing adds second camera, seeks to escape Roomba shadow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electrolux "Silence Amplified" vacuum with iPod dock and speakers probably sucks

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:59:00 EST

Crazy huh? Sure, but if your company just launched a commercial vacuum cleaner so quiet that it's called the "UltraSilencer" then what better way to drive that point home than by adding an "iPod dock" (though that's no iPod we've ever seen) and speakers to the damn thing? In fact, Electrolux has taken this Silence Amplified concept so far that they've conducted a lab study to prove that "music assisted vacuuming increases the number of nozzle sweeps, improves the cleaning result and leaves a general feeling of happiness." Duh. Now go check the video evidence after the break.

Gallery: Electrolux "Silence Amplified" vacuum with iPod dock and speakers probably sucks

Continue reading Electrolux "Silence Amplified" vacuum with iPod dock and speakers probably sucks

Electrolux "Silence Amplified" vacuum with iPod dock and speakers probably sucks originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's Tango robot vacuum uses cameras to clean your floors, duvet covers

Tim Stevens — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:14:00 EST

Just because a Samsung vacbot never cleaned your floors doesn't mean they're not out there somewhere, attacking dust on hardwood and carpet -- and apparently Egyptian cotton too if the above picture is anything to go by. This Tango is the latest from the company, following in the tracks of the Furot and Hauzen and sharing their dual spinny brush design. Tango is said to use a 30fps camera to tell where he's going, a gyro to keep a sense of direction, and crash sensors that now can detect furniture and feet from up to 2cm away. Prices will range from ₩500,000 to ₩700,000 and, though that equates to between $425 and $600 American, the stores these will be available in probably won't take dollars.

Filed under: Household

Samsung's Tango robot vacuum uses cameras to clean your floors, duvet covers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyson DC25 Blueprint impressions: is the 'Ball' worth it?

Darren Murph — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST

Dyson's DC25 Blueprint just started shipping en masse this month, and with an MSRP of $529.99, it's significantly more pricey that the "bargain-minded" DC23 Turbinehead that we had a peek at last month. The company's range of 'Ball' vacuum cleaners have been around for years now, but this is the first chance we've had to roll one over our own carpet. With a striking white finish, impeccable build quality and a design to make any gadget nerd blush, there's quite a bit here that you won't find on your average vac, but is the sphere really enough to warrant the lofty sticker? Read on for our two pennies.

Gallery: Dyson DC25 Blueprint - Limited Edition

Continue reading Dyson DC25 Blueprint impressions: is the 'Ball' worth it?

Filed under: Household

Dyson DC25 Blueprint impressions: is the 'Ball' worth it? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyson DC23 Turbinehead impressions

Darren Murph — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST

Dyson. Just the mere mention of the name conjures up a litany of emotions, though we suspect the most common feeling associated with it is "eh, too expensive for a vacuum." For years now, Dyson has managed to make an otherwise drab sector exciting, with its array of vacuums (and hand dryers, to be fair) being amongst the only ones out there that gadget nerds could actually get into. The eldritch designs, promises of never-ending suction and stratospherically high price tags have helped Dyson garner an almost cult-like following, but at long last, it seems the outfit is looking to slide into homes of the somewhat less affluent. Granted, $399 for a vac ain't exactly cheap, but considering that the DC23 Turbinehead is the outfit's cheapest canister ever, we couldn't help but give it a spin. Head on past the break for a few impressions.

Gallery: Dyson DC23 Turbinehead unboxing

Continue reading Dyson DC23 Turbinehead impressions

Filed under: Household

Dyson DC23 Turbinehead impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung's Furot II robovac wants a piece of your Roomba

Darren Murph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:09:00 EST

Roomba not sucking the way it used to? Samsung sure hopes not, as it has just recently pushed out a robotic vacuum cleaner of its very own. Quietly showcased during IFA earlier this month, the Furot II packs an oh-so-familiar design and sports an integrated camera and mapping system that enables it to find its way, remember its course and clean your floors with practically no human assistance. There's also an array of sensors that keep it from slamming into this and that, and the rechargeable battery keeps it humming for around 1.5 hours before petering out and making a beeline for its charging station. We get the impression that it'll be available in both black and refulgent red, though no price and release date is currently available.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

Filed under: Household, Robots

Samsung's Furot II robovac wants a piece of your Roomba originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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