News

iRobot's Latest Roomba Offers Scheduler That Can Be Programmed to Automatically Clean Once a Day (27/6/2005)

iRobot Corp. today introduced the iRobot Roomba(R) Scheduler Robotic Floorvac, a robot that automatically vacuums floors on a schedule you set. The latest addition to iRobot's popular line of Roomba Discovery Robotic Floorvacs includes built-in scheduling technology that allows people to program the new robot to clean floors at a certain time each day, seven days a week.

The company also announced a new accessory for iRobot Roomba owners. The Scheduler pack updates the software in Roomba Discovery series models, thereby adding new scheduling functionality to their existing robots. With more than 1.2 million units sold since its introduction in 2002, iRobot's award-winning Roomba Robotic Floorvac is the most successful consumer robot in history.

"The iRobot Roomba revolutionized cleaning and gave people the power to have a cleaner home with just the touch of a button," said Colin Angle, chief executive officer, iRobot. "With Roomba Scheduler, you program the robot once and the house will be cleaned automatically, without the touch of a button."

Right out of the box, Roomba Scheduler's cleaning timetable can be set quickly and easily by choosing a personal schedule on the remote control. Once cleaning times are programmed, the remote is used to beam the schedule wirelessly, via infrared technology, to the Roomba and Virtual Walls, which are now set to switch on and clean right on schedule.

The new Roomba Scheduler, like the Roomba family of robots, is built around AWARE(TM) -- iRobot's unique robot intelligence system. It includes iRobot's Dirt Detect(TM) technology, which senses particularly dirty areas and automatically increases the intensity of its cleaning. The Roomba Scheduler comes with various accessories, including a Scheduler remote control, two special Scheduler Virtual Walls and a self-charging Home Base(TM). When Roomba's battery runs low, it will drive itself to the Home Base and recharge for its next scheduled cleaning.

The iRobot Scheduler accessory pack works with all Roomba Discovery series models, including Roomba Red, Roomba Pink Ribbon Edition, Roomba Discovery and Roomba Discovery SE. The kit includes a Scheduler remote, two Scheduler Virtual Walls and a software update cord, which is used to transfer the new Scheduler software to your existing Roomba.

Availability and Pricing

iRobot Roomba Scheduler will be available in August for $329.99 at www.iRobot.com and in September at Sears, Best Buy, Kohl's, Linens N Things, Amazon.com, Brookstone and Meijer.

The iRobot Scheduler accessory pack will be available in August for $59.99.

www.irobot.com