Appliance Sensei: Roomba IRobot Vacuum Cleaner

By special request, here is my review of the Roomba IRobot Vacuum Cleaner.

Product: Roomba IRobot Vacuum Cleaner
MSRP: $89.99 - $299.99

Yes, dawn of the Personal Robot Age is here. At least once a week science releases the results of a research project, experiment, or design challenge that pushes the limits of robotics further. Each new advancement brings more practical applications of robotics technology into the home. The Roomba IRobot Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent example of the rapidly changing scene of electronics.

The best feature of the Roomba is that despite its name, it’s not planning the subjugation of the human race, hunting down Will Smith, or making a mockery of the book I Robot by Isaac Asimov. As a matter of fact, if you made a documentary about using a Roomba Vacuum Cleaner you’ll probably have a plot line more similar to the book I Robot than I Robot the movie I Robot starring Will Smith even if you haven’t heard of the book! That’s because the Roomba IRobot is a helper robot and will actually clean your carpet for you so you don’t have to.

The question you’re probably asking yourself right now is “does it work?” Of course it does! The Roomba Vacuum Cleaner works on thin and thick set carpets, wood floors, and tile floors. You can set invisible walls to keep the Roomba within certain boundaries and prevent it from cleaning in heavy traffic areas or other areas you would prefer not having a robot clean.

The various Roomba models share these common features: ability to recharge batteries, set up invisible barriers to keep the Roomba out of specific areas, and programmable schedules so you don’t even have to remember to turn the Roomba IRobot on.

Though the Roomba can’t replace a human….yet. Its still a very useful appliance. It can run when you’re at work or school so you don’t have to worry about a messy carpet if company unexpectedly drops by, and its also very quiet. However, owners with long haired pets may want to stay away from the Roomba IRobot because it’s known for getting tangled in hair and rendered unusable. It may have a few bugs, but its still a neat little appliance and earns a good review. The Roomba gets 4 stars out of 5.