It was only a matter of time before robot vacuum cleaners like the Roomba became more advanced. The iRobot-owned brand isn’t laying out cash for more advanced sensors, though. Its Roomba Duo concept, shown off at IFA this year, stacks two different robots for more effective cleaning.
In that sense, it’s a very 1989 solution to having a technologically advanced cleaning droid. Generally, robot vacuum cleaners have a set radius that makes them unsuitable for cleaning finicky corners. A second, smaller ‘bot solves that problem rather neatly. Plus, there’s a Transformers aspect to what iRobot is punting here.
Roomba for two?
The Duo consists of two robotic assistants, stacked on top of each other like checkers pieces towards the end of a tough game. The main unit handles the bulk of the work. Should head clearance or obstructions get too rough, a mechanical arm takes the little unit on top down. Then, one of Roomba’s Plus 575 Combo units trundles out to get the job done.
The Plus 575 Combo isn’t new. It costs R11,200 ($700) on its own. It’s a compact, powerful unit designed to fit in smaller spaces. But being a little guy, cleaning an entire home takes ages. Pairing it with the company’s new base unit makes for quicker, more effective cleaning. The base unit exerts downward pressure of 4.7kg while mopping and functions as a floor washer.
Mapping data is stored in both units at once, so each should know the same layout and where the other is. Whether they can operate entirely independently is something we’re not sure of, but it would be a cool feature to see. Being a concept unit, there’s no sign of when (or if) it’ll release at retail. One thing’s for sure — it won’t be cheap. At more than eleven grand for the smaller robot, this transforming Roomba setup is likely to more than double that price.
