sep 17, 2002 - Introduction of the iRobot Roomba

Description:

iRobot, an American technology company, was founded in 1990 by three members of MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab. On 17th September 2002, they launched a groundbreaking new device called the Roomba, a pioneering development in the world of domestic robotics.

The Roomba was an automatic vacuum cleaner designed to revolutionise home cleaning by taking over a traditionally labour-intensive task. Equipped with advanced algorithms and sensors, it could navigate rooms, adjusting to different surfaces, and avoiding obstacles like furniture or stairs. Its launch marked a significant step towards integrating robotics into everyday life – turning the concept of a home cleaning robot from science fiction into reality.

Following its debut in 2002, the Roomba continued to evolve, with iRobot incorporating new features and improvements in response to consumer needs and technological advancements. Subsequent models included Wi-Fi connectivity for control via smartphone apps, integration with virtual assistants like Amazon's Alexa or Google Home, and advanced mapping technology to allow more efficient cleaning paths and room-specific cleaning.

The Roomba i7, introduced in 2018, included a self-emptying feature and the ability to remember multiple floor plans, making it even more user-friendly for a larger home. The Roomba s9, launched in 2019, made a further leap in design, introducing a D-shape for better corner cleaning and improved sensors for more advanced navigation, as well as superior suction power and a new anti-allergen system for trapping 99% of pollen, mould, and allergens.

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