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Modified Roomba becomes a smart robot for dispensing doggie treats

Par : JC Torres
21 janvier 2025 à 18:20

Robot vacuum cleaners are so advanced these days that some of them barely need human intervention. Of course, that wasn’t always the case in the earliest days of this market segment, with the first generations relying on some very basic technologies and software by today’s standards. Although its name has become synonymous with robot vacs, the Roomba has almost all but faded into that background.

Some, however, have found some rather creative uses for older models, with a bit of hacking and ingenuity. Giving a very old rolling robot a better brain and literally space-grade software, this mod turns a cleaning machine into a mess-making one, albeit not by intention. Instead of picking up dirt or even clothes, the “Space Vacuum” will instead drop pieces of food for your canine companion to munch on when it’s near.

Designer: Joaquim Silveira

Most of us probably have a file of unused and abandoned electronics that are still a bit functional except for one broken or missing part. We don’t have much practical use for them, so they just end up gathering dust and taking up space, sometimes forgotten until the next Spring cleaning. A few people, however, have the fortunate skill to bring these machines back to life, though sometimes with a different function so different from the original.

This Roomba, for example, once cleaned up dirty floors in a previous lifetime. But with some clever use of off-the-shelf hardware like an Arduino and some skilled DIY electronics, it has been given a new lease on life as a dog food dispenser. Ironically, it now does the opposite of cleaning the floor and instead makes a mess, presuming the canine doesn’t gobble up the treats first.

What the Space Vacuum basically does is detect the presence of a dog, while differentiating it from other living critters in the house, and drops dog food from a paper cup that has its bottom partially cut out. Curiously enough, the software used for this project is NASA Jet Propulsion Labs’s (JPL) Fprime flight software used for space missions and controlling drones, which sounds a bit overkill for a food-dispensing robot. That, however, gives it the right to call itself a “Space Vacuum,” though the vacuum part is in question.

It’s definitely not going to win any awards for aesthetics or practicality, but the project does spark curiosity and maybe inspire a few more experiments using these house robots. The rather odd clothes-picking Roborock vacuum at CES 2025 demonstrated what these machines are actually capable of, especially with their advanced sensors and AI-powered brains. All they need is a robot arm or a proper food dispenser, and they have the makings of a general-purpose robot that won’t take up too much floor space.

The post Modified Roomba becomes a smart robot for dispensing doggie treats first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Compact Vacuum Cleaner Keeps The Homes Of Pet Owners Clean With Ease

Par : Tanvi Joshi
3 décembre 2024 à 23:30

We’re living in a world where pets are more than companions, they’re cherished family members. In this age, the spaces we share with them deserve thoughtful care. G:RE, a brand devoted to enhancing the bond between people and their furry friends, has introduced a groundbreaking product that combines form, function, and a touch of nature’s beauty. Obile – a handy vacuum cleaner that isn’t just a tool but a lifestyle upgrade for pet-loving households.

Designer: Focus studioKSID, and Taeyeon Kim

G:RE was born from a simple but powerful question: how can we create a life for pets and their humans that feels as natural as it is nurturing? As pets claim an even deeper place in our hearts and homes, G:RE envisions a world where products blend seamlessly with our lives while keeping our spaces comfortable, clean, and inspired by nature. With Obile, G:RE delivers on this promise by addressing one of the most practical challenges of pet ownership: maintaining a clean home without sacrificing style or convenience.

Cleaning isn’t exactly fun, but what if your cleaning tool could feel like a piece of art infused with the warmth of the sun? That’s the magic of Obile. Designed with an elegant tilt reminiscent of sunlight streaming through a window, Obile isn’t just functional, it’s poetry in motion. The vacuum’s oblique design symbolizes the sun’s comforting rays, bringing warmth to its surroundings. Its natural hues, carefully chosen to mimic the golden tones of sunlight, make it an interior piece as much as a cleaning device. Whether it’s propped in its cradle or busy cleaning fur-lined corners, Obile feels like an extension of your home rather than an intrusive gadget.

Pets bring love, joy, and of course fur. Obile is here to handle the mess without breaking a sweat, ensuring your space stays fresh for both you and your furry friends. Equipped with two nozzles – a basic nozzle and a fur brush nozzle. Obile tackles pet hair and dirt with ease. From carpets to cozy corners, it’s a cleaning powerhouse. The nozzles tuck neatly into a hidden drawer in the cradle, keeping everything tidy and within reach. Thanks to a wireless charging cradle powered by a USB-C connection, Obile is always ready for action. Its sleek design ensures it blends effortlessly into your decor, even when not in use.

Through countless prototypes and full-size mock-ups, G:RE fine-tuned every detail, from the ergonomics of the handle to the seamless usability of its design. The result? A vacuum that feels like it was made just for you. Obile represents the harmony between functionality and design, a product that feels like a warm embrace for you and your pets.

By bridging the gap between nature-inspired aesthetics and modern convenience, G:RE has created something truly special. So, why settle for the ordinary when you can embrace the extraordinary? With Obile, cleanliness becomes effortless, and your home transforms into a sanctuary where pets and people live in perfect harmony. Because at the end of the day, life is better when it’s shared—and clean.

The post This Compact Vacuum Cleaner Keeps The Homes Of Pet Owners Clean With Ease first appeared on Yanko Design.

Yeedi C12 Combo Review: The Ultimate Robotic Cleaner with a Handheld Vacuum and Mop

7 octobre 2024 à 01:45

The Yeedi C12 Combo is a cleaning companion designed to handle household messes effortlessly. Picture this: instead of rushing around the house, switching between the broom, dustpan, and mop, the C12 Combo quietly goes about its work, cleaning with precision like the silent, efficient partner it’s meant to be. You’ve got other things on your mind—getting that last-minute report done for work, or maybe just a rare few minutes of peace while the kids are occupied—but your floors? Those are taken care of.

PROS:


  • Best value for powerful, multi-functional home cleaning.

  • Long battery life ensures uninterrupted, comprehensive cleaning.

  • Anti-tangle technology minimizes maintenance hassle.

  • Effortlessly transitions between different floor types.

  • Compact design fits seamlessly into home spaces.

CONS:


  • Obstacle avoidance could be improved for more precise navigation.

  • Households with pets that shed will require frequent manual cleaning of the dustbin for optimal performance.

  • The robotic vacuum cleaner lacks integration with mopping feature.

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

Effortless cleaning, precise performance, flexibility, and unbeatable value—Yeedi C12 Combo makes every corner of your home spotless.
award-icon

Designer: Yeedi

Click Here to Buy Now: $649.99 $899 (28% off). Hurry, this deal ends soon!

Yeedi C12 Robotic Vacuum

There’s something comforting about knowing the dust is handled without bending down or wrestling with a clunky vacuum, especially when multitasking. The C12 Combo is ready for action, no questions asked. It tackles dog hair, crumbs from the kids’ latest snack attack, and more. It fits into your life without adding any more stress. You don’t have to worry about tangled hair, adjusting settings for different surfaces, or even remembering to empty the dustbin daily.

With this multi-functional whole house cleaning machine, you’re not left guessing how it works, either. It’s straightforward, and more importantly, it’s smart. It knows when to clean and how to do it. The real beauty? You’re still in control—but with much less effort.

Design: Where Function Meets Familiarity

At first glance, the Yeedi C12 Combo screams, ‘I’m all business’—focused entirely on getting the cleaning done. It’s sleek, unassuming, and fits right into your home, no matter if it’s a cozy apartment or, in my case, a sprawling 4,100-square-foot ranch home with a mix of flooring types—tile in the kitchen, 35-year-old original hardwood in the living areas, carpet in the bedrooms, and old tiles in the sunroom. It will take a smart robotic vacuum cleaner or a combination of a handheld and robotic one to keep this house clean.

But don’t let its minimalism fool you. The C12 Combo was built to sit effortlessly in a corner while delivering outstanding performance, with thoughtful design elements that enhance usability. The removable comb teeth on the ZeroTangle 2.0 floor brush make maintenance a breeze, and the Crevice Tool and 2-in-1 Dusting Brush make cleaning tight spaces and delicate surfaces simple and effective. For example, when you’re cooking dinner and knock over a jar of flour, instead of dragging out a full vacuum, you can grab the handheld from its dock and clean up the mess in seconds.

The cordless handheld vacuum component is lightweight and easy to maneuver. When you’re tired or your schedule is packed, you don’t want a clunky vacuum that’s heavy or hard to use. You want something you can pull out and get the job done quickly, with minimal hassle. The flexible design allows you to reach those pesky corners, under the couch, and even high spots like curtains without missing a beat.

The automated unit seamlessly transitions between different floor types—hardwood, carpet, and tiles—without manual adjustments. The integration of handheld and robotic components ensures you don’t need to swap out attachments constantly. It’s efficient and doesn’t waste your time, precisely what a vacuum should do.

Ergonomics: Cleaning Without the Backache

The C12 Combo prioritizes comfort and ease. No one likes the strain of bending over to switch vacuum settings or dealing with outlets as you move from room to room. The C12’s cordless design eliminates these hassles, allowing you to move freely throughout your home without interruption. The handheld vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, with a comfortable handle that ensures no awkward angles or backaches.

The handheld component excels at quick clean-ups and reaching tricky spots. It fits snugly in your hand and is balanced perfectly for tasks like vacuuming crumbs after movie night or tackling cobwebs in high corners, making cleaning less of a burden.

Swapping between the handheld vacuum and the robot is as simple as docking the handheld back into its charging station, where it’s always ready for the next task. Instead of choosing between devices, I often multitask—using the handheld for focused cleaning while the robot cleaner works its way through the rest of the house. It’s so easy that cleaning starts feeling less like a chore and more like a quick, manageable task you can knock out without losing steam.

Performance: Power Meets Precision

The Yeedi C12 Combo doesn’t just look good—it delivers. This machine is powerful where it counts. The handheld vacuum delivers 95AW suction power (Air Watts), which represents how effectively it can pick up dirt and debris, ensuring even the dirt trapped deep within carpets doesn’t stand a chance. Combine that with the 10,000Pa suction power from the robot vacuum, and you’ve got a dynamic duo capable of handling even the messiest floors.

The real genius lies in the ZeroTangle 2.0 Technology. If you’ve ever fought with vacuum brushes clogged with hair, you’ll appreciate how the C12 handles this common issue. Its advanced anti-tangle design includes 45-degree V-shaped bristles, a high-speed cyclone to guide hair toward the center, and a removable comb to make cleaning easy. Be it pet hair, long human hair, or fibers from rugs, this feature keeps everything running smoothly without the hassle of constant brush cleaning. Plus, the LED headlight on the ZeroTangle floor brush helps ensure you don’t miss any dust or debris, even in dimly lit areas.

The Full-Path Self-Cleaning System ensures the HEPA filter stays clean, maintaining peak suction power without manual maintenance. This means consistently powerful performance over time.

TrueMapping Technology supports quick mapping and multi-floor map management and saves up to four maps, making it efficient for homes with multiple levels. It can quickly map 100 square meters in 8 minutes, plan the best cleaning route, and avoid obstacles like furniture and toys. The bottom-view sensor also recognizes steps to prevent falls, ensuring safe navigation on stairs.

The C12 Combo transitions effortlessly from one surface to another. Hardwood to carpet? No problem. It senses the change, adjusts suction power accordingly, and can even climb up to 0.8-inch thresholds, ensuring every inch of your home gets the right treatment. In my living room and bedroom, I have a couple of chairs with legs that most vacuums struggle to climb over, but the C12’s 0.8-inch (20mm) clearance is perfect for navigating these obstacles, making it an essential feature for my setup. I also appreciate having the option and flexibility to vacuum certain areas manually—let’s face it, anyone who has used a robotic vacuum cleaner knows that no matter how good the machine is, there will be missed spots.

The C12’s robot vacuum is equally impressive, working in sync with the handheld vacuum. It features a 5200 mAh battery that enables extended cleaning sessions, even for larger spaces. At the same time, the handheld vacuum is powered by 6 x 2000 mAh batteries, providing ample runtime for its cleaning modes. The robot vacuum, equipped with TrueMapping Technology, can avoid obstacles while covering every inch of the floor with a systematic cleaning path. It’s smart enough to return to its charging station once it’s done, ensuring it’s ready for the next session.

The mopping capability is exclusive to the handheld component of the Yeedi C12 Combo, which includes a detachable 11.5 oz (340 ml) water tank and an anti-tangle brush. This allows it to handle both wet and dry cleaning tasks effectively. The robot vacuum is designed for powerful dry cleaning with its suction capabilities and does not have a mopping function. The handheld vacuum has accessories like the Crevice Tool and 2-in-1 Dusting Brush, making it versatile for dry and wet cleaning tasks.

With the Crevice Tool and 2-in-1 Dusting Brush, the C12 Combo can precisely clean corners, curtains, and soft surfaces like sofas. These thoughtful accessories make the C12 an all-in-one solution for versatile cleaning throughout your home.

Sustainability: Cleaning With Less Waste

The C12 Combo focuses on efficiency in cleaning and reducing waste. The dustbin is bagless and reusable, meaning you’re not spending extra money on replacements or contributing to landfill waste with disposable bags. According to Yeedi’s internal data, this dustbin can last up to seven weeks without emptying, which is nearly two months of hassle-free cleaning.

Plus, the Full-Path Self-Cleaning System ensures the HEPA filter stays clean, maintaining peak suction power without manual filter cleaning. The washable HEPA filter also traps allergens, keeping your indoor air cleaner, and it’s easy to rinse and reuse. The C12 Combo reduces environmental impact and operating costs over time by focusing on long-lasting, reusable components.

Think about it—no more repeatedly buying dust bags or filters, no more hunting for replacements, or worrying about running out mid-clean. The C12’s design takes care of those pain points, making cleaning more sustainable, both for the planet and your wallet.

Value: What’s the Real Cost?

Here’s where the Yeedi C12 Combo shines: its effortless cleaning, precise performance, flexibility, and unbeatable value—Yeedi C12 Combo makes every corner of your home spotless. Instead of just a vacuum, the Yeedi C12 Combo offers a complete home-cleaning system that fits seamlessly into your routine. The robot vacuum takes care of daily maintenance, sweeping up dust, dirt, and debris while you’re at work or relaxing. Then, when you need to deep clean, the handheld and stick vacuums step in with powerful suction and versatile attachments to get into every nook and cranny.

The 1.5-liter auto-empty dustbin allows for hands-free operation for up to seven weeks, eliminating the hassle of frequent emptying. For the cost of one device, you’re getting a two-in-one system that tackles every type of mess. The C12 Combo ensures that each dollar spent is packed with performance, sustainability, and versatility.

With the 340ml water tank, the C12 Combo also provides advanced mopping functionality. It allows continuous wet mopping that handles stubborn stains and wet waste without a separate mop. You don’t need to vacuum before mopping—the C12 does both simultaneously.

Beyond cost savings, there’s the intangible value of saving time and energy. With the C12 Combo, you’re no longer chained to a cleaning routine that takes up half your Saturday. You can run the robot vacuum while taking care of other tasks and still get a deep clean when you need it.

Ready to Transform Your Cleaning Routine?

If you’re tired of spending your weekends with a vacuum in hand, the Yeedi C12 Combo is here to change that. With its advanced cleaning features, seamless transitions across surfaces, and flexible components for tackling every type of mess, it’s the perfect addition to any household looking for efficiency and simplicity. Let the C12 Combo handle the hard work so you can focus on enjoying your time at home. Experience a cleaner space with less hassle—make the switch today.

Click Here to Buy Now: $649.99 $899 (28% off). Hurry, this deal ends soon!

The post Yeedi C12 Combo Review: The Ultimate Robotic Cleaner with a Handheld Vacuum and Mop first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Nothing Robot Vacuum (1) brings transparent tech to Smart Homes, along with a Glyph Interface

Par : Sarang Sheth
6 octobre 2024 à 11:40

If you think just about the Nothing.tech company ethos of bringing fun back to tech while still being design-driven and meaningful, that ethos can apply to pretty much any category of product. Sure, Nothing’s best known for their earbuds, phones, and even other accessories like the CMF Watch Pro… so here’s a proposition – what if we took Nothing’s ethos and brought it to other products that are a bit of a visual afterthought? The robot vacuum, for instance, is a fairly ‘boring’ looking product. Its job is literally to scuttle around the house cleaning up after your mess, so for the most part, its design is driven by function rather than expression. However, by bringing the robot vacuum under the Nothing design umbrella, Soo Hyun Lim and PDF HAUS have uplifted an otherwise dull-looking appliance into something that inherently feels more modern – because it borrows its design cues directly from Nothing’s modern-looking smartphones.

Designers: Soo Hyun Lim & PDF HAUS

Meet the Nothing Robot Vacuum (1), a tongue-in-cheek fan-made concept that ports Nothing’s DNA onto a familiar product template. Most robot vacuums are the same shape and size, so how could you possibly make things interesting? Well, LEDs and transparent covers, of course! The Robot Vacuum (1) has a circular profile that’s then outfitted with a transparent D-shaped outer shell, giving it an almost ‘preserved in glass’ kind of look. Sensors are where they belong (on the front as well as on the top), and although you can’t entirely make a robot vacuum transparent, what with all the dust and dirt, Hyun Lim does something clever by bringing the Glyph Interface to the product. What does the interface do? Well, it acts as a progress bar that lets you know how much cleaning’s left. Similarly, Glyph lights on the vacuum’s docking station light up to indicate charging process as well as letting you know the fill-status on the station’s dustbin, so you know when to throw the trash out every week or so.

With the aesthetic appeal of a fancy turntable, the Nothing Robot Vacuum (1) highlights a kind of Bauhaus-meets-Scandinavian minimalism that companies like Bang&Olufsen have come to showcase so well with their products. The vacuum looks classy, not appliance-y, which is quite a win because of how menial its task actually is. I mean, sure some appliances have boring jobs, like thermostats and dehumidifiers, but that’s no reason they should look ‘boring’, right? Well, the Nothing Robot Vacuum (1) rejects that stereotype.

As far as the design goes, the vacuum comes in 3 colors – black, white, and grey. Just from a top view, you instantly recognize the Nothing design template. The Glyph Interface at the 7 o’clock position, the transparent elements along the body, and a radial pattern on the upper half of the circular top that sort of resembles the coils in the wireless charging zone on the smartphones. It’s simple, yet cleverly executed.

Just like with the phones, you’ve got microtextures galore, along with text screen-printed onto the transparent elements like the upper guard (that prevents the sensors on top from being damaged), and the front transparent bumper that helps the robot vacuum easily maneuver into corners. Moreover, Hyun Lim mentions that the vacuum is constructed from recycled plastic and aluminum, which seems like a nice sustainability touch that goes well with the ‘clean’ image of the vacuum cleaner.

Although conceptual, Hyun Lim does give the robot vacuum a fair bit of detail. You’ve got a rotary broom on the front, along with a vibrating wet mop that helps get grease, grime, and other stains off your floor. The simple design is complemented by a simple UX – you can lift the lid to access the robot’s power button or open its water reservoir to replenish it between cleaning sessions. The sensors on the front and top help the vacuum navigate through the house, while an app on the phone gives you all the controls you need to set schedules, paths, no-go zones, and charging times. Plus, when the robot vacuum runs low on juice, it automatically goes and docks in its station, where the battery gets charged and the dust-tank gets cleaned.

The docking station is just as minimal as the vacuum itself, and serves as a place where your appliance goes to take a pit-stop. Once docked, the Robot Vacuum (1) charges its batteries, while performing a self-clean operation so it’s good to go for round 2. This means the mop head gets cleaned with water, and the dust/dirt tank gets disposed into the docking station’s larger ‘dustbin’. When the dustbin gets filled (after a couple of days of cleaning), all you need to do is empty the trash bag inside and replace it with a new one. That’s where the docking station’s Glyph lights come handy, letting you know your vacuum’s charging rate, along with the dustbin’s current capacity.

Although the Robot Vacuum (1) is purely conceptual at this point, it does prove that Nothing’s approach to redefining technology as ‘accessible fun’ is quite a winning and versatile one. The Robot Vacuum (1) doesn’t exist but there’s no reason it shouldn’t. Carl, you listening?

The post The Nothing Robot Vacuum (1) brings transparent tech to Smart Homes, along with a Glyph Interface first appeared on Yanko Design.

Stay Cool Anywhere With the Ultimate Portable Air Duster Fan for Any Adventure

Par : JC Torres
2 octobre 2024 à 01:45

Imagine being in the great outdoors, basking in nature’s beauty, but also sweating profusely and feeling sluggish under the oppressive sun. You might not believe it, but your body definitely feels both days and nights getting hotter. Portable fans are the rage these days, but many of them require you to carry large bottle-sized contraptions that sacrifice your comfort just to beat the heat. That’s where ZERA MAX comes in, a revolutionary portable air duster fan designed to keep you cool and comfortable no matter where your adventures take you. Meticulously crafted to seamlessly combine power, portability, and stunning design, this handheld turbine delivers the wind you need to keep cool and look cool anytime. Whether you’re an avid camper, a dedicated hiker, or someone just looking to conquer the summer heat, the ZERA MAX promises to bring indoor comfort to your outdoor experiences.

Designer: ZERA

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $159 (44% off). Hurry, deal ends soon! Raised over $106,000.

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What sets the ZERA MAX apart at first glance is its sleek, ergonomic, and pocket-sized design. Crafted from aluminum alloy, this fan is lightweight yet incredibly durable, making it an indispensable companion for any outdoor activity. Its modern and minimalist aesthetic is a visual delight, ensuring it doesn’t just function well but looks good doing it. The convenience of its compact build cannot be overstated – you can effortlessly slip it into your backpack, hiking gear, or beach bag, giving you the freedom to carry it wherever you go, unlike other fans that are as large as water bottles. This blend of style and practicality ensures that relief from the heat is always within arm’s reach.

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The relief is delivered by a small yet powerful wind turbine with a top speed of 150,000 rpm. With a simple sliding button, you can customize the speed that you need, whether it’s a gentle breeze for a mellow afternoon or a strong gust to keep the sweltering midday heat at bay. All the information you need is available at a glance on the handle’s digital display, whether it’s battery charge or speed. It’s these thoughtful features that distinguish the ZERA MAX as a versatile tool, perfect for any situation you might find yourself in.

But the ZERA MAX isn’t just a fan – it’s a powerhouse of functionality. Picture this: you’ve just reached your camping spot, and with a quick switch, your fan doubles as an air duster to swiftly blow away dirt from your equipment. It’s a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts who often have to deal with dusty environments and gear. It can also function as a vacuum, an air mattress and ball inflator, an eyeglasses cleaner, and more. All these functions are made possible with a variety of interchangeable nozzles that quickly snap and stay on thanks to a strong rare-earth magnet on the fan’s nose. These features are not just convenient but essential, ensuring your gear stays clean and functional, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure.

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With such a powerful wind turbine in your pocket, the last thing you’d want is for your portable air duster fan to die after just half an hour of use. Thanks to a large 4,000mAh battery in the handle, that’s never a worry and you can enjoy a comfortable breeze for up to 3 hours. And when it does come to juice up the ZERA MAX, its fast USB-C charging makes sure you’ll be up and ready again in no time. It is designed to keep up with your energetic lifestyle, providing uninterrupted comfort throughout your outdoor excursions. With its harmonious fusion of innovative design, exceptional functionality, and versatile adaptability, this handheld wind turbine redefines what a portable fan can be. Whether you’re embracing the outdoors, trying to survive a hot day, setting up a mattress, or simply cleaning your laptop, the ZERA MAX is ready to revolutionize your adventures, wherever the wind blows, especially if the wind isn’t blowing at all.

Click Here to Buy Now: $89 $159 (44% off). Hurry, deal ends soon! Raised over $106,000.

The post Stay Cool Anywhere With the Ultimate Portable Air Duster Fan for Any Adventure first appeared on Yanko Design.

Rectangular robot vacuum concept proposes a more efficient design for smaller spaces

Par : JC Torres
1 octobre 2024 à 13:20

Robot vacuum cleaners and mops are common sights these days, but despite all the advancements they’ve made in terms of technology, their basic shape has remained unchanged since the first-ever Roomba. They’re almost all circular, though the are some that have taken on rounded square forms, a shape that was dictated by the limitations of old technologies that don’t seem to be relevant today. This standard design, however, still carries over other limitations, like squeezing into tight spaces or cleaning corners. Perhaps it’s time to rethink that old and outdated design, which is what this concept tries to do in order to cater to homes with smaller, cramped spaces and messy floors.

Designer: Subin Kim

The initial design of robot vacuums was made primarily for the robot and not the humans. The circular shape made it easier for the machine to turn and correct its direction, something that was all too common given the very basic technologies from decades past. Today, however, most robot cleaners have no problem navigating the most cluttered floors, so there’s now an opportunity to rethink that basic shape.

mini is a concept design that stretches the robot vacuum into a more rectangular form, technically more pill-shaped with its rounded sides. The idea is that this robot can better squeeze itself into narrow spaces, like those between walls and furniture, or hug edges to properly brush and vacuum areas that even the most sophisticated circular robot can’t reach. In small apartments or tiny homes, that is more often the case, so such a design is more useful than the majority of round or square robots.

The design can actually be even more efficient than standard robot vacuums because it can change its orientation depending on the area of the floor to be cleaned. In its vertical mode, it can easily clean out narrow gaps, but then it can rotate and switch to horizontal mode if there’s a wider space available for it to move. Such a feat would require AI and advanced sensors, both of which are readily available on most robot cleaners today.

mini’s design does mean it won’t be able to turn quickly, but that can be handled by better obstacle detection and smarter navigation. Although it might not work perfectly in practice, the concept does challenge the status quo and encourages a design that really puts the user at the center, rather than simply turning such robot helpers into technological showcases.

The post Rectangular robot vacuum concept proposes a more efficient design for smaller spaces first appeared on Yanko Design.

Narwal Unveils Freo Z Ultra at IFA 2024, Showcasing Advanced Robotic Cleaning Technology

6 septembre 2024 à 10:30

Narwal introduced its latest robotic vacuum and mop, the Freo Z Ultra, at IFA 2024. This new device brings advanced cleaning technology to homes, offering intelligent features for thorough and efficient cleaning. It uses the TwinAI Dodge Obstacle Avoidance system, allowing it to navigate around objects precisely and recognize over 120 household items in real-time. Whether furniture, cables, or pet waste, the robot efficiently avoids obstacles while cleaning all areas.

Designer: Narwal

The design is clean and minimal, with curves that allow it to blend into various home environments. The key feature of the Freo Z Ultra is its dual RGB camera system, which captures up to 1.5 million data points per second. This wide-angle system enhances the robot’s ability to recognize objects and move through spaces without making contact. The high-definition cameras provide detailed visuals, ensuring they can adjust to different surroundings and avoid even small objects.

A significant part of the Freo Z Ultra’s functionality lies in its AI DirtSense 2.0 technology. This system automatically identifies the type of mess it encounters and adapts its cleaning method accordingly. For example, the vacuum first handles dry messes like dust or crumbs with its 12,000 Pa suction. Afterward, it switches to mopping mode to clean up liquid spills, ensuring no dirt is left behind. Separating dry and wet cleaning avoids contamination and maintains a high standard of cleanliness.

The mop system also uses AI technology to optimize its performance. The AI-Adaptive Hot Water Mop Washing system adjusts the water temperature between 113°F and 167°F (45°C and 75°C) based on the type of dirt detected. Regular dirt is cleaned with warm water, while more stubborn grime is addressed with hotter water. After each cleaning session, the system automatically washes and dries the mop, preventing bacteria growth and maintaining mop efficiency.

The Freo Z Ultra quickly maps its environment, creating a detailed 3D model in six minutes. It uses ultrasonic sensors and RGB cameras to navigate various surfaces, including corners and edges. The Smart EdgeSwing technology allows the robot to easily clean along walls and baseboards, ensuring no area is missed during the cleaning process, even in tight spaces.

The robot integrates with popular smart home systems like Alexa, Google Home, and Siri. Users can control the vacuum through voice commands or manage its settings via the Narwal app. The app allows users to customize cleaning schedules, set no-go zones, and remotely monitor the vacuum’s progress. This makes the Freo Z Ultra a versatile tool for households that value convenience and ease of use.

Privacy is another key aspect of the Freo Z Ultra. The robot operates with TÜV Rheinland Privacy Certification, ensuring that all user data remains secure. The robot’s storage and computation functions are kept offline, and any camera use requires user permission. This provides peace of mind for users concerned about data security in their homes.

Pet owners will appreciate the Freo Z Ultra’s pet-friendly features. The vacuum can detect and avoid pets as they move around the house, preventing accidental disturbances. It can also delay cleaning in areas where pets are resting, resuming once the space is free of animals. This ensures pet fur and messes are cleaned effectively without stressing pets or requiring human intervention.

The robot’s Zero Tangling Floating Brush 2.0 is designed to handle hair without tangling. This brush system sweeps 4,400 times per minute, capturing pet hair and debris without causing blockages. Additionally, the robot operates at a noise level of 71 dB, significantly reducing disturbances during its cleaning cycles. This low-noise feature makes it suitable for homes with pets or small children.

The Freo Z Ultra’s self-emptying station simplifies maintenance. The base station can hold up to 120 days’ worth of debris, reducing the need for frequent emptying. It uses hot air at 113°F to dry the collected debris, preventing bacteria buildup and maintaining a hygienic environment. The station also self-cleans and dries the mop after every use, keeping the entire system ready for the next cleaning session without user intervention.

The Freo Z Ultra adapts its cleaning approach based on the surface type. Hardwood floors use less downward pressure to avoid damage. On ceramic tiles, it increases the pressure to ensure a deep clean. The mop’s moisture level is also adjusted to suit the cleaning surface, providing optimal performance on both wood and tile. Carpets are handled with care, as the robot can automatically lift the mop when it detects carpeted areas, allowing it to vacuum the surface without interference.

The device’s powerful 12,000 Pa suction ensures that even deep-set dirt is removed from carpets and other surfaces. Users can enable Power Boost mode through the Narwal app to enhance suction when needed. This allows the Freo Z Ultra to adapt to different cleaning needs, whether tackling high-traffic areas or maintaining delicate surfaces.

Narwal’s Freo Z Ultra offers a comprehensive cleaning solution for homes of all sizes, bringing together advanced AI, privacy protections, and smart home integration. Its ability to adapt to various floor types, combined with features designed for pet owners, makes it a highly versatile tool for maintaining cleanliness with minimal effort. The robot’s low-maintenance design and intelligent cleaning systems ensure a hassle-free experience for users looking to automate their floor care routine.

The post Narwal Unveils Freo Z Ultra at IFA 2024, Showcasing Advanced Robotic Cleaning Technology first appeared on Yanko Design.

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