ConnectR Beta Test Continues

I and others who have signed up for the iRobot ConnectR remote presence bot Beta Test have received emails from iRobot asking us to take another survey to requalify for the test. My guess is the company -- having received more than 10,000 applications -- is trying to tailor the test applicants to particular pools of folks, and feels comfortable enough at this point with the product to expand testing. At any rate, given the S-L-O-W testing period, don't expect a working product before late 2009/early 2010, and perhaps later if the test shows them that they need a redesign (which they do, at the very least, to add a video screen option (or iPhone/iPod Touch connector with software hack?), and preferably some height to make it less of a trip hazard for older folks). There's no way I'd pay anything close to the $499 they want to charge without 2-way video. Stick an Intel Atom chip in there, or an ARM-style one.

Tags: iRobot, robot, ConnectR

iRobot, Army robotics open offices in Michigan; report talks of doubling deployed robots by end of year

According to a report from a Southeast Michigan newspaper, iRobot is planning to open an office in Michigan near the new location for the Army's robotics office, which is relocating from Alabama, and a robotics official talked of doubling the number of deployed robots from 5,000 to 10,000 by the end of the year. My guess is that the end of NEXT year might see that number, not this year. Foster-Miller and Northrop Grumman Remotec are also looking into opening new offices there, among others, and Michigan is investing millions in upgrading its robotics industry. Smart move.
-Thorn

Tags: iRobot, Michigan

HOT: $599 iRobot Roomba 610 Professional Appears on iRobot Web Site

A Google Cache of iRobot's web site reveals the new top-of-the-line Roomba 610 with a sky-high list price of $599 -- about the same as a top-of-the-line Dyson vacuum -- and a ship time of 3-4 weeks.
The previous top-of-the-line is the $499 Roomba 580, which is identical to the Roomba 570 but comes with extra filters, etc. It is expected that the Pro model will include a 2-year warranty, and we *hope* a lithium battery pack and other tweaks. And that snazzy brownish cover.

The page has been removed from iRobot's web site itself.

iRobot had earlier indicated that the Professional model would retail for $499, but has been under pressure to increase it's razor-thin profit margins. Also on tap soon are upgraded Roomba 500 Series models designed specifically for use in homes with pets at a $50 premium to existing models.

thx, Morgan

Tags: iRobot, Roomba

iRobot Launches Negotiator Robot for Law Enforcement

iRobot Corp. has launched a new, 34-pound "iRobot Negotiator" robot intended for law enforcement. The name and the robot chassis appears to be nearly identical to the Negotiator product sold by the now defunct company Robotic FX. Robotic FX sold robots patterned on iRobot's PackBot under the Negotiator name to law enforcement before its assets were acquired by iRobot last year as part of a lawsuit settlement. The new robot is billed as a more affordable alternative than iRobot's military grade PackBot 510 hardware, and the company is offering grant programs to local and state law enforcement agencies to get them on board.
The new robot is intended for SWAT Teams, Hazmat applications, bomb squads, and surveillance, and features many of the same capabilities of the PackBot, including cameras, stair climbing, flippers for getting out of trouble, etc.
iRobot also plans to provide service to existing Negotiator owners, and will start delivering new negotiators in the fourth quarter of this year. Maybe, just maybe, the company will salvage something useful out of that whole Robotic FX fiasco (which cost the company millions when a former iRobot employee on a shoestring initially swiped a massive Defense contract out from under iRobot's feet. iRobot ultimately won in the courts, aided by Robotic FX's CEO getting caught on camera tossing iRobot items into a Dumpster, but paid a price.)

Links: Spec Sheet (PDF), plus Videos at this link.
Here is the press release:

Press Release Source: iRobot Corp.

iRobot Launches New Robot to Address Growing Public Safety Market
Wednesday August 6, 8:00 am ET
iRobot Negotiator Provides a Cost-Effective, Basic Reconnaissance Robot to Public Safety Organizations

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--iRobot Corp. (Nasdaq: IRBT - News) today announced the introduction of the iRobot Negotiator, a low-cost tactical robot designed to meet the basic reconnaissance needs of public safety professionals.
After the success of the company’s iRobot PackBot 510, iRobot heard from public safety organizations throughout the country asking for a basic reconnaissance robot that fit within their budget needs. It is in response to these inquiries that iRobot is offering Negotiator.
While the PackBot 510 with First Responder Kit focuses on missions requiring a larger robot with more advanced capabilities, Negotiator will provide basic reconnaissance to a much broader group of public safety professionals, including police departments, fire departments and domestic security experts. The iRobot Negotiator is highly mobile, able to climb stairs and easy to operate. Depending on the customers’ needs, the robot may also be outfitted with a civil response kit and a range of add-on accessories, enhancing its reconnaissance and chemical detection capabilities.
“We are excited about the potential of iRobot Negotiator for a range of public safety professionals, including law enforcement personnel, domestic security officers and counter-terrorism forces,” said Joe Dyer, president of iRobot Government and Industrial Robots. “There is growing support and demand for unmanned ground robots as people recognize the difference they make by offering life saving ‘eyes on’ benefits to teams in the field. We believe that the low entry price point for iRobot Negotiator will help make it accessible to local, state and federal agencies that would not have been able to afford a robot otherwise.”
Designed for different scenarios than the company’s current PackBot line, the first production units of iRobot Negotiator will be available for purchase in the fourth quarter of 2008. iRobot is committed to Negotiator, which will be backed by iRobot’s world-class quality and customer support.
“We are putting the full weight of iRobot behind this product, offering excellent production, quality and service,” continued Dyer. “Negotiator will play a significant role in helping to resolve situations successfully, while keeping public safety professionals at safe distances.”
iRobot has delivered more than 1,600 PackBot robots that make a difference everyday by conducting dangerous missions that keep first responders and warfighters out of harm's way.

Tags: iRobot, robot

Why don't hotels use Roombas? (New York Times)

The New York Times Freakonomics blog asks why hotels don't use Roombas to vacuum.

Lots of answers, but the popular ones are that they'd be stolen, that they would slow room turnover and negate any savings, that they cost a bundle and that they don't clean as well as a heavy-duty upright.

All accurate. Although I think that there is a role for Roomba in many small business environments, particularly the millions of offices with low-pile carpet.

I actually think a Scooba-like device might have more commercial applications, especially for the nasty job of cleaning bathrooms at the end of a shift. Gas stations, restaurants, hotel bathrooms, ice cream parlors and the like also could all benefit from a thorough Scooba mopping every night, and the cost ($200-$400) for a Scooba is minimal for any sized company. I think Scooba actually does a better job than most mops because it replaces dirty water with clean.

Here's the link to Freakonomics.

(Thx, JSRN!)

Tags: iRobot, robot, Roomba