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Buzz Lightyear
Joined: 26 Feb 2004
Posts: 36
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| Posted: December 27, 2004, 9:12 pm Post subject: Wishlist for next years Roomba |
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Well, I just upgraded from a Roomba Pro to my brand new Roomba Discovery SE and I must say that I am extremely pleased with it so far. It really seems like iRobot took all of the items that from my "Wishlist" of things that could be improved on the old model and incorporated them into the Discovery.
That being said, I started to wonder what could be improved in the next generation. So, here is my "Wishlist" for the next generation of Roomba:
Self Emptying
Probably at the top of everyones wishlist, the biggest improvement they could make would be for the Roomba to empty its dustbin when it returns to its homebase.
Ability to Program
Whether wirelessly through a PC or via remote control, if the Roomba can empty itself it should be able to run automatically. The ability to program scheduled cleaning times would be a huge improvement.
RF/WiFi connectivity
Plain and simple, the current generation of remote control just stinks. Infrared isn't that great to begin with because it requires a line of sight, but add in that the homebase and the virtual walls all use infrared signals that interfere with each other and you wind up with a big mess. iRobot really needs to change over to RF or 802.11 instead. Not only would this enable you to program the Roomba from a PC, but it would also allow the Roomba to find its homebase no matter how far away it might be. How cool would it be to control your fleet of Roombas via your PC when your at work?
Room Mapping
Not only would the Roomba be able to know where it has cleaned and where it hasn't, it could also report its position back to your computer so that you could have a 'living map' that shows what areas are still in need of cleaning and which aren't. Room mapping would increase the Roombas efficiency and allow it to clean more areas in less time.
Well, that's the top 4 on my wishlist. Hopefully iRobot will read this and get cracking! I'm curious to see how my list compares to other peoples, so feel free to post your wishlist here as well!
Buzz |
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Roomba Freak
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| Posted: December 29, 2004, 2:59 pm Post subject: Agreed |
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I can agree and say that I like all of those idea's.
The only one I really care about is the scheduling though. I Think that scheduling a roomba to clean every day at a certain time would be great.
I would also love room mapping but it's an expensive technology. I would not spend more then $250.00 on a roomba.
But with all good technology eventually comes lower prices.
Ex: Digital watches were several hundred dollars when they came out, now you can get one at an AmPm for $3.75.
-Chris |
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Laird Free
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| Posted: December 29, 2004, 3:52 pm Post subject: wish list |
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| I would like to see a better users manual, and an intelligent "maintenance is required" light. e.g.: An amperage/RPM monitor can detect buildup of hair etc. on the brush spindle, and Roomba would let you know that maintenance is required. As far as scheduling, you can use a learning VCR remote - normally used to record shows at predetermined times - to activate roomba while you're away. You can also teach the code to an IR equipped computer (normally for AV equipment) to do the same thing, although if it's going to be wireless anyway, sure why not add scheduling? :) |
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Colin
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| Posted: December 29, 2004, 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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| I think it would be good if the roomba had the facility to chase after the remote control. That way it could be led into another room rather then carried. This would be good if I needed to do a spot clean. |
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jonvall
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Joined: 06 Sep 2004
Posts: 49
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| Posted: December 30, 2004, 4:19 pm Post subject: |
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I would like to see the following in the next generation of Roomba.
Self emptying would be great but more importantly after it's done the cleaning I would like it to make me a drink and have dinner ready when I get home! |
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Jamie
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| Posted: December 30, 2004, 4:42 pm Post subject: |
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I would love to see them come out with a "Roomba Mop". Something like an automated wet vac that is filled with cleaning fluid that squeegees the floor and sucks up the dirty water behind it.
Jamie |
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Howard
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| Posted: December 31, 2004, 9:08 am Post subject: nooo |
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| No new roomba till at least 2006. I can't afford to buy a 270 dollar vac (aka toy) each year. |
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Linda
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| Posted: January 11, 2005, 11:26 am Post subject: |
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I want one like the NS-5 in the move I Robot.
Ok, ok. Maybe that is a bit too advanced for this years model. I guess I can wait until 2006 for that... |
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