Robotic vacuum cleaner

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A cleaning robot from 2006 Reinigungsroboter tcm 100.JPG
A cleaning robot from 2006
Robotic vacuum cleaner on a hardwood floor.

A robotic vacuum cleaner, sometimes called a robovac or a roomba as a generic trademark, is an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner which has a limited vacuum floor cleaning system combined with sensors and robotic drives with programmable controllers and cleaning routines. Early designs included manual operation via remote control and a "self-drive" mode which allowed the machine to clean autonomously. [1]

Contents

Marketing materials for robotic vacuums frequently cite low noise, ease of use, and autonomous cleaning as main advantages. The perception that these devices are set-and-forget solutions is widespread but not always correct. Robotic vacuums are usually smaller than traditional upright vacuums, and weigh significantly less than even the lightest canister models. However, a downside to a robotic vacuum cleaner is that it takes an extended amount of time to vacuum an area due to its size. They are also relatively expensive, [2] and replacement parts and batteries can contribute significantly to their operating cost. [3]

History

Retrofuturistic illustration of an "electric scrubber" in the year 2000, as envisaged by an artist in 1899 France in XXI Century. Electric scrubbing.jpg
Retrofuturistic illustration of an "electric scrubber" in the year 2000, as envisaged by an artist in 1899

In 1956, the American science fiction author Robert A. Heinlein described the concept of a robotic vacuum cleaner with a recharging dock in his novel The Door into Summer : "Basically it was just a better vacuum cleaner .... It went quietly looking for dirt all day long, in search curves that could miss nothing .... Around dinner time it would go to its stall and soak up a quick charge." [4] The following year engineer Donald Moore filed a patent for robotic appliances, including a sweeper, that could follow a track laid below the floor. Whirlpool demonstrated the concept at the 1959 American National Exhibition but did not bring it to market. [5]

In 1969 on 2 April an episode of The Avengers was broadcast in which the character Inge Tilson played by Dora Reisser says "...I saw a demonstration once. A robot vacuum cleaner. It swept around the house, went back into its cupboard, automatically plugged in and recharged itself...". The teleplay for this episode which was entitled "Thingumajig" was written by Terry Nation. It was episode 27 of Season 7. [6]

In 1985, Tomy released the Dustbot as a part of their Omnibot line of toys. Dustbot was the first robot to feature a built in vacuum, and was able to turn when it sensed an edge or ran into something. Dustbot would carry a mini broom and dustpan for decoration. [7] [8] [9]

In 1990, three roboticists, Colin Angle, Helen Greiner, and Rodney Brooks, founded iRobot. [10] It was originally dedicated to making robots for military and domestic use. It launched the Roomba in 2002, which was able to change direction when it encountered an obstacle, detect dirty spots on the floor, and identify steep drops to keep it from falling down stairs. [3] The Roomba proved to be the first commercially successful robot vacuum. [11] In 2005, iRobot introduced the Scooba, which scrubbed hard floors.

In 1996, Electrolux introduced the first robotic vacuum cleaner, the Electrolux Trilobite. [3] It worked well but had frequent problems with colliding with objects and stopping short of walls and other objects, as well as leaving small areas not cleaned. [3] As a result, it failed in the market and was discontinued. [3] In 1997, one of Electrolux's first versions of the Trilobite vacuum was featured on the BBC's science program, Tomorrow's World. [12]

In 2001, Dyson built and demonstrated a robot vacuum known as the DC06. However, due to its high price, it was never released to the market. [13] Electrolux released the Trilobite robotic vacuum cleaner. The Robotic vacuum cleaner launched at a price of $1,800.00. There were two models: the ZA1 and the ZA2.

In 2010, the Neato Robotics XV-11 robotic vacuum introduced laser-based mapping, allowing navigation in straight lines rather than the traditional random navigation. [14]

In 2015, Dyson and iRobot both introduced camera-based mapping. [15] [16]

In 2016, iRobot CEO claimed that 20% of vacuum cleaners sales worldwide were robots. [17]

As of 2018, obstacles such as dog feces, cables and shoes remain very difficult for robots to navigate around. [18] [19]

In 2022, ECOVACS launched DEEBOT-X1 Family featuring YIKO [20] Voice Assistant, which was the industry's first natural language for home robots with Al voice interaction and control technologies. [21] [22] [23]

In 2023, SwitchBot introduced the K10 Plus, [24] claiming it as the world's smallest robot vacuum. [25] [26]

Main features

Cleaning modes

A cleaning robot as seen from below Reinigungsroboter tcm 101.JPG
A cleaning robot as seen from below

Robotic vacuums have different types of cleaning modes, enabling the robot target specific areas or work more generally, and to function either under direct human control or automatically. [27]

Wet mopping

Some models can also mop for wet cleaning, autonomously vacuuming and wet-mopping a floor in one pass (sweep and mop combo).

The mop is either manually wet before attachment to the bottom of the robot or the robot may be able to automatically spray water on to the floor before running over it.

Some advanced robot vacuum cleaners have a sensor that detects and avoids mopping in carpeted areas. However, if there is no sensor, most of the robot vacuum cleaner manufacturers add a no-mop zone feature in the app to make robot vacuums to avoid certain areas to clean. These robot vacuums are also capable to mop about 150 m2 (1,600 sq ft) in one go.

Others

D-shape vacuum cleaner Neato XV-11.jpg
D-shape vacuum cleaner
Anti-drop
Most robots include anti-drop and anti-bump IR sensors.
Connected app
Some models allow control of the unit using an app over a WiFi connection from the user's smartphone or connected home automation device, e.g. Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.
Software upgrades
Some units are able to receive over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.
HEPA filters
HEPA air filters are industry-standard now[ as of? ] for robot vacuum cleaners. These remove dust and pollen from the air.
Video camera, speakers, microphone
Some units can be used to record and monitor their surroundings as a mobile, internet connected security camera. Make voice or video calls, act as alarms and have voice command functionality.
Self cleaning
Some units have dustbin self emptying via another vacuum in the charging station. Mop self wash, scrub, auto clean water refill and dirty water sucked into grey water tank. No user interaction needed for weeks or months at a time.
Names
some units can be named and will respond to said name.

List of robotic vacuum cleaners

Open-source designs

These are open-source designs that can be built using off-the-shelf components and 3D printed parts.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vacuum cleaner</span> Device that sucks up dirt from a surface

A vacuum cleaner, also known simply as a vacuum, is a device that uses suction, and often agitation, in order to remove dirt and other debris from carpets and hard floors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cleaning</span> Activity that removes dirt and other particles from people, animals and objects

Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances, such as dirt, infectious agents, and other impurities, from an object or environment. Cleaning is often performed for aesthetic, hygienic, functional, safety, or environmental protection purposes. Cleaning occurs in many different contexts, and uses many different methods. Several occupations are devoted to cleaning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roomba</span> Series of autonomous robotic vacuum cleaners sold by iRobot

Roomba is a term that refers to a series of autonomous robotic vacuum cleaners made by the company iRobot, and was first introduced in September 2002. Roombas have a set of sensors which help them navigate the floor area of a home. These sensors can detect the presence of obstacles and steep drops.

Robotic mapping is a discipline related to computer vision and cartography. The goal for an autonomous robot is to be able to construct a map or floor plan and to localize itself and its recharging bases or beacons in it. Robotic mapping is that branch which deals with the study and application of ability to localize itself in a map / plan and sometimes to construct the map or floor plan by the autonomous robot.

iRobot American technology company that produces consumer robots

iRobot Corporation is an American technology company that designs and builds consumer robots. It was founded in 1990 by three members of MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab, who designed robots for space exploration and military defense. The company's products include a range of autonomous home vacuum cleaners (Roomba), floor moppers, and other autonomous cleaning devices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scooba (brand)</span>

Scooba was a floor-scrubbing robot made by iRobot. It was released in limited numbers in December 2005 for the Christmas season, with full production starting in early 2006. The company introduced a lower-priced version, the Scooba 5800, in the second half of 2006. It introduced a new Scooba 450 at CES 2014 in January 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electrolux Trilobite</span> First commercially available robotic vacuum cleaner

The Electrolux Trilobite is a robotic vacuum cleaner manufactured by the Swedish corporation Electrolux. It takes its name from the extinct arthropod, which scoured the ocean's floor.

iRobot Create Hobbyist robot based on the Roomba vacuum cleaner

iRobot Create is a hobbyist robot manufactured by iRobot that was introduced in 2007 and based on their Roomba vacuum cleaning platform. The iRobot Create is explicitly designed for robotics development and improves the experience beyond simply hacking the Roomba. The Create replaces its Roomba predecessor's vacuum cleaner hardware with a cargo bay that also houses a DB-9 port providing serial communication, digital input & output, analog input & output, and an electric power supply. The Create also has a 7-pin Mini-DIN serial port through which sensor data can be read and motor commands can be issued using the iRobot Roomba Open Interface (ROI) protocol.

Domestic robots can vary widely in their capabilities and tasks. Sensors include: cliff or stair sensors, motion sensors, ultrasonic object sensors, dirt sensors, IR sensors, and more. Intelligence varies also. Some have none while others can map out their environment and maneuver using complex algorithms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evolution Robotics</span> American technology company

Evolution Robotics was an American technological company based in Pasadena, California. It specialized in robotics technologies, with computer vision, localization, and autonomous navigation products.

Dustbot was a prototype robot that collected garbage from homes and streets. It could be summoned by phone call or SMS, and used GPS to automatically make its way to the customer, collect the rubbish, and take it to a dustbin. In addition, the Dustbots carried environmental sensors to monitor the pollution levels over, for example, a pedestrian area. Prototypes were tested in Italy, in Sweden, in Korea and Japan. Launch was planned in 2009, but the last reference in its webpage dates from 2011. The Dustbot project was funded by the European Commission and it never launched as a commercial product.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Domestic robot</span> Type of service robot

A domestic robot or homebot is a type of service robot, an autonomous robot that is primarily used for household chores, but may also be used for education, entertainment or therapy. While most domestic robots are simplistic, some are connected to Wi-Fi home networks or smart environments and are autonomous to a high degree. There were an estimated 16.3 million service robots in 2018.

The Kärcher RC 3000 was a robotic vacuum cleaner created by Kärcher in 2002, and manufactured until January 2015. Unlike other robotic vacuum cleaners of the time, the RC 3000 was designed with a self-service station that allows owners to keep their robots running for longer periods of time. The service station, containing a paper bag, accomplishes this by acting as the collection point for the dirt and dust swept up by the robot.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Self-cleaning floor</span>

A self-cleaning floor is a surface that has the ability to clean itself without external action. This is usually accomplished through automated pods set to dispense water regularly, but can also be accomplished through the use of materials that naturally reduce pathogens. Such floors are designed to stay hygienic with little maintenance, and are most often installed in places that require constant maintenance and cleaning, such as hospitals and washrooms. In Europe and a few African countries, many ceramic tiles and sanitary ware manufacturers have products on the market with self-cleaning features.

Ecovacs Robotics is a Chinese technology company. It is best known for developing in-home robotic appliances. The company was founded in 1998 by Qian Dongqi and is headquartered in Suzhou, China. According to Global Asia, Ecovacs Robotics had more than 60% of the Chinese market for robots by 2013. In 2023, Nikkei Asia had reported that the market capitalisation of Ecovacs Robotics has grown to near $6.38 billion, which is "roughly 5 times" that of the market capitalisation of rivalling US based iRobot, who manufactures the Roomba.

Xiaomi Smart Home Products are products released by third-party manufacturers who have partnered with Xiaomi. These products are managed by Xiaomi Home app.

Roborock is a Chinese consumer goods company known for its robotic sweeping and mopping devices and handheld cordless stick vacuums. Xiaomi played a key role in the company's founding.

SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company based in Needham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1994 by Mark Rosenzweig and led by CEO Mark Barrocas, who joined the company in 2008 as President, the company's name is formed by combining its two primary brands: Shark and Ninja.

Dreame Technology, with the full name Dreame Technology Co., Ltd., also known as Dreametech, is a Chinese household appliance manufacturer founded by Yu Hao in 2017. Its main products include cordless vacuums, scrubbers, hairdryers, robotic lawn mowers and robot vacuum and mops. The company specializes in the production of vacuums. In addition, it owns and operates an app called Dreamehome.

References

  1. ↑ ilumpruj (2018-06-24). "The History of Robot Vacuum Cleaner". Archived from the original on 2021-05-12. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  2. ↑ "How Robotic Vacuums Work". How Stuff Works. 3 November 2005. Retrieved 2018-03-05.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Invention of Robotic Vacuum Cleaners". Vacuum Cleaner History. Retrieved 2018-03-05.
  4. ↑ Heinlein, Robert A (1957). The Door into Summer. New York: Signet. pp. 20–21.
  5. ↑ Novak, Matt (July 24, 2014). "This American Expo Invaded Russia With Shiny New Tech in 1959". Paleofuture. Retrieved 2023-11-23.
  6. ↑ "The Avengers Thingumajig (TV Episode 1969)". IMDb .
  7. ↑ "The Old Robots Dustbot".
  8. ↑ "1985 Tomy Dustbot Japanese". 30 August 2013.
  9. ↑ "Dustbot Robot".
  10. 1 2 "the history of the roomba".
  11. ↑ Bennett, Brian. "Why are iRobot's new Roombas so damn expensive?". CNET. Retrieved 2020-05-17.
  12. ↑ "BBC NEWS - Technology - Robot cleaner hits the shops". 16 May 2003.
  13. ↑ Ulanoff, Lance (13 February 2014). "Dyson Wants to Build a Robot Vacuum that Can See". Mashable .
  14. 1 2 "Neato XV-11 robotic vacuum review". Engadget. August 24, 2010. Retrieved 2020-05-17.
  15. 1 2 "Deluxe brand Dyson creates its first robot vacuum, the 360 Eye". 2014-09-04. Retrieved 2015-09-26.
  16. 1 2 "iRobot Brings Visual Mapping and Navigation to the Roomba 980". IEEE Spectrum: Technology, Engineering, and Science News. 16 Sep 2015. Retrieved 2020-05-17.
  17. ↑ "iRobot says 20 percent of the world's vacuums are now robots". TechCrunch. 7 November 2016. Archived from the original on 2020-12-15. Retrieved 2020-05-17.
  18. ↑ Solon, Olivia (2016-08-15). "Roomba creator responds to reports of 'poopocalypse': 'We see this a lot'". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2020-05-17.
  19. ↑ Bryan Heater (2017-12-06). "PerceptIn has raised $11 million to help robotic vacuums and self-driving cars see". TechCrunch . Retrieved 2018-05-25.
  20. ↑ "DEEBOT X1 Family | New Arrival All in One Vacuum and Mop". ECOVACS US. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
  21. ↑ "ECOVACS Launches The DEEBOT X1 Range Of Robot Vacuums & Mops In Australia". 21 April 2022.
  22. ↑ ECOVACS. "WELCOME TO THE HANDS-FREE FUTURE: ECOVACS' NEW FLAGSHIP PRODUCT, THE DEEBOT X1 OMNI, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  23. ↑ "DEEBOT X1 Family | New Arrival All in One Vacuum and Mop". ECOVACS US. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  24. ↑ "SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ | 50% Smaller in Size". SwitchBot US. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  25. ↑ Tuohy, Jennifer Pattison (2023-08-25). "SwitchBot is getting closer to the Rosie the Robot dream with its new robot vacuum mop". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  26. ↑ "This robot vacuum may be smaller than a dinner plate, but it can handle big messes". ZDNET. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
  27. ↑ Jones, Andy (17 July 2019). "10 best robot vacuum cleaners – how to pick between Dyson and Eureka". inews.co.uk. Retrieved 27 October 2020.
  28. ↑ "Amazon.com - Neato XV-11 All Floor Robotic Vacuum System - Household Robotic Vacuums". www.amazon.com. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  29. ↑ "Neato XV-11 review | 22 facts and highlights". VERSUS. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
  30. ↑ SharkNinja - Robot Vacuums
  31. ↑ Autodesk Instructables - Your DIY Floor Cleaning Robot
  32. ↑ Hackaday - Open Autonomous Domestic Robots – An open source system for domestic cleaning robots using low-cost hardware
  33. ↑ Autodesk Instructables - Build your own vacuum robot
  34. ↑ Source code of DIY Vacuum Robot (GitHub)
  35. ↑ Wolley (Knektium AB) - A 3D-printable vacuum robot that you can build, customize and repair by yourself
  36. ↑ Source code of Wolley (GitHub)
  37. ↑ Hackster.io - You Can Build This Open Source Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
  38. ↑ MyMiniFactory.com - [Open Source Robot Vacuum Cleaner]
  39. ↑ Autodesk Instructables - Self Navigating Vacuum Cleaner
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