We welcome our robot overlords

[bk2w]

Last week woot.com had another batch of Roomba's for sale. Granted they are refurbed, but they're also wickedly cheap.

So now we have a low-slung robot running around our living room attempting to clean up, succeeding in scaring the cats, and generally making noise. Watching it clean the kitchen earlier was quite entertaining, leading to much pondering about the algorithms inside, and whether it actually maintains an obstacle map through the whole cleaning cycle.

Perhaps this will encourage us a bit more to contain our clutter, since clutter severely impacts the Roomba's ability to clean. In the mean time, we have a much cleaner kitchen floor.

Comments

[zpdiduda.livejournal.com]

I'm convinced that when they refurbished these little dudes, they added a leg-humping program. Mine is more persistent than any singles-bar habitue I've ever encountered.

[zqfmbg.livejournal.com]

The major quibble I have with the Roomba is that I have to keep all the cords and stuff off the floor in order for it to work, and that's annoying.

[blacksheep-lj.livejournal.com]

We have a SCOOBA and used it quite effectively in the old house. This house, we just hired housekeepers. I suppose we ought to consider selling it.

Mmmm, robots

[nonlinearsystem.livejournal.com]

Oooh, are they easy to hack?

Anyhow, I've added you to my friend's list; you probably remember me as the tall guy who attended DHPs a couple years ago.

Re: Mmmm, robots

[bk2w.livejournal.com]

They actually encourage people to play with the robots, and sell a version (http://irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=305) specifically intended for developers to work with.

Welcome back!

Re: Mmmm, robots

[(Anonymous)]

When will iRobot open a lab in Silicon valley?? I would be the first to apply for work there :)