Summary Reader Response Draft #2

 The webpage from iRobot (n.d.) introduces the iRobot Roomba J7+, the smartest cleaning robot. The vacuum is an upgrade from the previous model, Roomba J7. According to Woodford (2023) he states the iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaners are known for their compact electronic cleaner that autonomously navigates around its workspace. As such, the J7+ is made to recognise and steer clear of obstructions such as pet litter and cables, reducing the time required for pre-cleaning preparations.

Among the upgrades are the Imprint Smart Mapping and Obstacle Avoidance. From the iRobot webpage (n. d.), it states that the J7+ is equipped with iGenius Robot 3.0 software and advanced sensors for better surveying of the terrain and recognizing objects. One key feature of the iRobot Roomba J7+ is the Imprint Smart Mapping System, which uses vSLAM and advanced sensors to study the terrain of your home and divide it into different rooms (Ide, 2021). It does a great job comprehending your floor plan and producing a precise map, preventing collisions with the walls and furniture during the cleaning process (Mauder, 2022). Even with advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities, the robot is dynamically strong when encountering a collision.

Apart from the Smart Mapping System, the robot uses the same system to automatically detect objects and steer clear of common objects on the floor, like cords, socks, shoes, and pet feces. The robot can recognize pet feces and automatically maneuver its course around it (Moscaritolo, 2021). Paired with onboard AI, Genius 3.0, and an enhanced processor, this enables the robot to decide to seek a new path to complete its task (Lamkin, 2022). Although this feature is equipped with advanced sensors, the vacuum noticeably works best in bright areas as compared to dimly lit spaces. The iRobot Roomba J7+ is an efficient automatic cleaning robot equipped with advanced smart technologies such as the Smart Imprint Mapping and PrecisionVision Navigation that make home cleaning more convenient, requiring minimal human intervention.

Smart Imprint Technology enables the robot to learn and familiarize itself with the floor plan. According to iRobot webpage (n.d.), the robot vacuum uses vSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to generate a map by recognizing distinct features such as furniture, picture frames, windows, and lights. This feature allows multiple maps to be stored, while giving users the options to personalize rooms and zones. Consequently, it also enables users to tailor their cleaning tasks, schedules, and direct the robot vacuum to clean specified rooms with ease (Hales, 2023).

The PrecisionVision Navigation employs a front-facing camera and LED on the front, enabling the robot vacuum to effectively detect and avoid obstacles while cleaning. When combined with its iGenius Robot 3.0 processor, this obstacle avoidance feature allows the robot vacuum to automatically adjust its algorithm to navigate around objects (Mcdonough, 2022). Additionally, according to PCMag (Colon & Moscaritolo, 2023), it states that iRobot has the capability to take pictures of encountered objects and save them in its memory space. These images will be used as reference points to make decisions regarding whether to avoid the obstacle during future cleaning runs, thus increasing obstacle avoidance efficiency (O’Boyle, 2022).

The price gap between the iRobot J7 and J7+ is considerably substantial. According to iRobot webpage (n.d.), it shows that J7 comes at $1,818 while the J7+ is at $2,448. Despite the high cost, users are still required to cover the expenses for maintaining and repairing the device, which includes purchasing replacement parts and additional accessories. Users who subscribe to its protected plan will receive the convenience of automatic accessory restocking and repair services.

In conclusion, the PrecisionVision Navigation system, which incorporates a front-facing camera and LED, plays a crucial role in enhancing the robot vacuum's ability to detect and avoid obstacles during cleaning operations. When integrated with the iGenius Robot 3.0 processor, this feature enables the robot vacuum to dynamically adapt its navigation algorithm to maneuver around objects, ensuring a smoother and more efficient cleaning process. Furthermore, its capability to capture and store images of encountered obstacles creates a valuable reference database, which is used to make decisions for future cleaning runs.

 

REFERENCE

iRobot Webpage (n.d.) iRobot Roomba J7+ https://irobot.com.sg/product/irobot-roomba-j7-nm/

Woodford. C (2023) Roomba Robot Vacuum Cleaners https://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-roomba-works.html#:~:text=Roomba%20is%20a%20compact%2C%20computerized,spinning%20brushes%20and%20a%20vacuum.

Ide, J (2021) Roomba J7 Vacuum Features https://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/roomba-j7-robot-vacuum-features-24936309

Mauder, E (2022) Roomba J7+ Review: A life-changing robot vacuum https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/kitchen-household/irobot-roomba-j7-review/

Moscaritolo, A (2021) iRobot Roomba J7+ Review https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/irobot-roomba-j7-plus

Lamkin, P (2022) iRobot Roomba j7+ review: Not after your cables or your dog's poop. https://www.the-ambient.com/reviews/irobot-roomba-j7-review-2842

Mcdonough, M (2022) iRobot Roomba j7+ review https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/irobot-roomba-j7-plus

O’Boyle, B (2022) iRobot Roomba J7+ review: What robot vacuum cleaner dreams are made of https://www.pocket-lint.com/smart-home/reviews/irobot/161277-irobot-roomba-j7-plus-robot-vacuum-cleaner-review/

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