The past few days have been busy for the number one manufacturer of consumer robots, the very well known Roomba maker iRobot. Taking advantage of the Consumer Electronics Show taking place in Las Vegas, iRobot announced the second generation Looj gutter cleaning remote-controlled robot and announced the cancellation of the ConnectR telepresence robot and the introduction of a new iRobot YouTube channel.
The new Looj is a small upgrade to the one introduced last year. The new model includes an internal antenna, easier access to the rechargeable battery, and a new anti-flipping auger. I'd say this is a better product than the current version but nothing to write home about. Look for Looj 2 in a store near you this Spring for a mere $130.
On another note, iRobot also decided to discontinue the ConnectR program. This program was an effort to create a telepresence or virtual visiting (as the call it) robot. Testing with users revealed that the product was not ready for the consumer market and as such iRobot decided to cancel it at the beta stage and go back to the drawing board. As the company says, this is not their last effort to creating such a robot for the consumer market. Let me remind you that WowWee has two telepresence robots available today including the Rovio and the recently announced Spyball robot.
Finally, iRobot also announced this past week a new YouTube channel. The new video channel is an effort to showcase the company's many robots along with the creations of their faithful owners and fans. More specifically,
This channel is part of the company’s commitment to support science, technology, engineering and math education through the celebration of achievement in robotics. Videos of iRobot products, fans and their pets have enjoyed widespread popularity on the Internet. The new iRobot iTube online video channel gives these creative expressions a home on the Web and opens up a new form of communication with iRobot for students, inventors and robot enthusiasts.
Enjoy the new iRobot YouTube channel here. And just so that you don't think that the channel is all about serious technology, enjoy the video below of a toddler riding on a Scooba!
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