Robot Vacuum Cleaners

Posted 28 Mar 2001 at 21:56 UTC by steve

Start-up companies have been trying unsuccessfully for years to interest consumers in expensive vacuum cleaner and lawnmower robots. A recent Robotics World Magazine article covered several of the latest contenders for the vacuuming field including the Hollingsworth V4, the Eureka Robot Vac, and the Dyson DC06 (with Dual Cyclone Technology, no less). Expect to pay thousands for any of these if they actually make it to market and don't buy one if you're in a hurry; they general take an hour or more per room.

Any other vacuum bots out there?, posted 28 Mar 2001 at 21:58 UTC by steve » (Master)

I'm sure I missed some. I found a few references on the web to the Windsor Industries RoboScrub vacuum cleaner but no links. Also Alfred Karcher GmbH is said to have something called a RoboVac 2000. Has anyone seen any others?

Electrolux?, posted 29 Mar 2001 at 04:39 UTC by The Swirling Brain » (Master)

Wasn't there a robot vacuum company called Electrolux making a robot vacuum or robomower thingy?

Electrolux, posted 29 Mar 2001 at 05:19 UTC by steve » (Master)

Yes, you're right. A search on fast turned up this reference to an Electrolux robot lawnmower. It was apparently patented in 1994. Electrolux named it the Turtle and shipped 200 before they gave up on it. I also found a couple of refrences, here and here, to the Electrolux RVC (robot vacuum cleaner). Looks like it was announced back in 1997. It also looks strangely similar to the Eureka product.