by: Jake Szarcosi
With the creation of the robotic vacuum cleaner, the stuff of science fiction finally became science fact. For years man dreamed of a device that would clean up after him. This dream is now a reality.
The robotic vacuum cleaner has been on the shop shelves for a while already and is becoming more intelligent and advanced with each passing year. Each new model of robotic vacuum cleaner is topping the last and there are presently millions of them in homes worldwide.
The autonomous robotic vacuum cleaning world was led by iRobot’s Roomba, but there are numerous alternatives available these days at prices ranging from one hundred dollars to one thousand dollars. Though for the purposes of this article we will focus on one of the first of its kind, the Roomba.
Robotic vacuum cleaners are compact, disk-like units, usually measuring a little over 13 inches in diameter and around four inches high. They are usually available with a charging base and infrared transmitter units, known as ‘virtual walls’.
The robotic vacuum uses its own infrared receiver and a contact-sensitive bumper to find its way around a house. The ‘virtual walls’ are placed to restrict the robot from cleaning certain rooms. The robotic vacuum cleaner can be activated manually or can be programmed to come on at certain times every day. In addition, the ‘virtual walls’ can be programmed to turn on and off to suit your schedule.
Roombas find their way around the home by using a number of basic formulas. Other makes of robotic vacuum cleaner actually map out homes and hold the information, while others have dirt detectors.
When the autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner has completed its work, it goes back to the charging base where it automatically re-charges and can be easily located.
Like any new technology, robotic vacuum cleaners have had their teething pains, like not functioning properly on certain surfaces or getting tangled in electrical cables. That said, as the technology develops these glitches are being solved bit by bit and almost all of today’s models are efficient and effective.
If you do decide to buy autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner be sure to select one of decent quality which has the required attributes to handle your house. The autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner must hold enough power in a single charge to clean your whole house. The vacuum should also be able to sense when it is changing from one kind of surface to another and when it is approaching sharp falls like stairways.
Robotic vacuum cleaners come with a variety of extra features, depending on your budget. These include schedulers, dirt detectors and the aforementioned ‘virtual walls’ and charging bases. Take a look at what is available and read some reviews to find a quality autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner which will keep your house spick and span.
Jake Szarcosi is a journalist with over twenty five years writing experience. Jake is working as a gazetteer for our b2b site and has become the resident expert on robot vacuum cleaners. Take the time to visit our web portal for additional information on Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Robotic Vacuum.
