How I Got A Robot To Vacuum The House
By Donald Grummett
Like most people I really hated to vacuum the
house. I thought anyone who enjoyed vacuuming was close to insanity. Well, I
must be crazy too because I have started vacuuming every few days. Why? Because
I purchased a robotic vacuum cleaner.
All you do is place it on the floor, turn it on, and push the clean button to
start it off on its cleaning odyssey. It will circle a couple of times and then
off it goes around the room seeking out dirt and dust. Whether the floor is
carpets, hardwood, ceramic, or tiles – it does them all with equal enthusiasm.
It is not a toy or gimmick. Rather, it is part of a new generation of household
equipment that will soon become common. They are products that can make
decisions as to how best to accomplish a task. Not quite true artificial
intelligence, but definitely smart enough to vacuum the rugs for you.
The two preeminent manufacturers of these vacuums are Electrolux* and Roomba*.
The Electrolux version is probably the most sophisticated. It incorporates eight
ultrasonic sensors and some advanced computer reasoning. It sends out a sound
beam that allows it to determine where all the objects are located in the room.
It can even find its way back to the charger when the power levels begin to
drop. Once charged, it will appear again to continue the cleaning. When it
determines the room is clean it goes back to the charger, turns around, backs
into it, and turns itself off. This robot vacuum has been available in Europe
for a couple of years. It appears to be the most complex of these machines and
comes with a $1795 price tag.
The robot vacuum cleaner I purchased is the Roomba, manufactured by the iRobot
company. It is a simpler and much less expensive version and carries a price tag
of approximately $249. Its round shape, bright colour, and flashing buttons give
it a futuristic look. At three inches in height and one foot in diameter it
looks like a miniature flying sauce as it scurries across the floor.
It uses a bump-and-turn method of operation. Once operational it goes in a
straight until it bumps into something. Each time it encounters an obstacle it
turns and goes off in an alternate direction. If an unusually dirty area is
found the vacuum will circle until it is satisfied the area is sufficiently
clean. This way dusty corners or debris such as cookie crumbs get extra
attention.
These little whirling dervishes of the vacuum world can even deal with obstacles
such as stairs, thresholds, and transitions between different flooring
materials. When it encounters the top of a staircase it will come right to the
edge, stop for a few seconds, make a reverse turn, and go off in another
direction.
Since purchasing a robot vacuum cleaner I have gone from vacuuming once a week
to every couple of days. The results of the increased cleaning frequency are
quite visible. This little machine has put the shine back into my carpets.
The only disadvantages I have found are minor. For instance, the dust storage
bin is small. The bin should be emptied after every few uses to prevent it from
becoming full. Also the power brush can become clogged with small bits of
debris. This is easily corrected though by disassembling the brush and cleaning
the bristles. Roomba even provides a special comb for this job. It works quite
well.
So, if like me you hate the thought of getting out the vacuum and pushing it
around the room, then consider a robot vacuum cleaner to help you with this
chore.
Ladies, do you know statistics show that 85% of household chores are done by
women. So, if you ever want to get a man to “do” (initiate may be a better term)
the vacuuming then perhaps consider introducing him to a robot vacuum cleaner.
The first few times I used mine I sat for hours watching it operate. I was
utterly fascinated by how it traversed the labyrinth of my main floor living
areas. To the extent that I could hardly wait for it to recharge so that I could
start it up again.
Here is an interesting idea. Since all men like gadgets, “ Why not get Dad one
for fathers day ”. That way he won’t have any excuse for not being involved with
the vacuuming. Besides, It will pay him back for the toaster he got you for
your birthday last year.
* Electrolux is a registered trademarks of AB Electrolux of Sweden
* Roomba is a registered trademark of iRobot
Copyright 2005 by Donald Grummett. All right reserved.
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Service manager of MG Appliance Repair Services in Ottawa, Canada. In the trade
over 30 years as a technician, business owner, and technical trainer. For more
information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, Recycling, and
Newsletter visit
http://www.mgservices.ca
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