Summary Reader Response Draft #3

The webpage from iRobot (n.d.) launches the Roomba J7+, a new ingenious robot. The robot vacuum cleaner is an upgrade from the previous predecessor, Roomba J7. According to Woodford (2023), the iRobot vacuum brand is known for their smart autonomous cleaners that are capable of navigating on its own. In short, the J7+ was made to detect and steer off obstructions such as cables, socks and pet litter which results in requiring lesser time for pre-cleaning.

Some of the upgrades are the Imprint Smart Mapping and PrecisionVision Navigation. From the iRobot webpage (n.d.), it states that the J7+ is great at surveying terrains and its ability to recognise objects thanks to the incorporation of iGenius Robot 3.0 and advanced sensors. One of the key features is the Smart Imprint Mapping system that uses vSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) and better sensors to learn the floor plan and divides it into different individual rooms (Ide, 2021). It does a great job at executing a clear and accurate map, preventing contact with walls and furniture while it is cleaning (Mauder, 2022).

Apart from the Smart Mapping, the PrecisionVision Navigation uses the same system and sensors to automatically detect objects and stay clear of common objects like cables, socks, shoes and pet faeces. The self-directed vacuum can recognise pet faeces and navigate its way around it (Moscaritolo, 2021). Working together with iGenius Robot 3.0 and enhanced processor, it allows the robot cleaner to look for alternative passageway to finish its cleaning task (Lamkin, 2022). Noticeably, the robot vacuum works best in bright areas as compared to dimly lit areas. In short, the iRobot Roomba J7+ is an automatic cleaning robot equipped with advanced technologies such as Smart Imprint Mapping and Obstacle Avoidance to make cleaning more efficient while requiring minimal human intervention.

The Smart Imprint Mapping enables the robot to familiarise itself with the working space. According to iRobot webpage (n.d.), the robot vacuum uses vSLAM to depict a map by recognising distinct features such as permanent furniture, picture frames, windows and ceiling lights which will be the markers for the robot vacuum to position itself. This Smart Imprint feature allows numbers of maps to be stored in its memory feed which enables users’ options to personalise their rooms and zones. Moreover, this also enables users to tailor their cleaning tasks, schedules and direct the robot vacuum to clean specified areas without much hassle (Hales, 2023). The robot vacuum does not necessarily need to be on the mapping run, it can map the floor plan even during the cleaning routine (Lawrence, 2022).

The PrecisionVision Navigation allows the robot to clean effectively while detecting and avoiding objects at the same time due to its front-facing camera and LED on the front. When combined with iGenius Robot 3.0 processor, this feature allows the robot automatically to adjust the algorithm to steer away from objects that they stumbled upon (McDonough, 2022). According to Colon and Moscaritolo (2023), it states that the robot has the capability to take pictures of encountered objects and store it in its memory space to use for future reference. Additionally, these images will be used as references to make decisions to avoid the obstacles on its future cleaning tasks which eventually led to the increased of cleaning efficiency.

The price gap between the iRobot Roomba J7 and J7+ is considerably substantial. According to iRobot webpage (n.d.), it states that the J7 comes at $1,818 while the J7+ is at $2,448. Despite the high cost, the maintenance and repair fees are not covered for. Users are required to cover the expenses on their own unless they are subscribed to its protected plan which users will receive the convenience of automatic accessory restocking and repair services.

In conclusion, the PrecisionVision Navigation and Smart Imprint Mapping plays an important role in enhancing the vacuum’s cleaning operations while being able to detect and avoid obstacles. When incorporated with the iGenius Robot 3.0, it enables the robot vacuum to automatically adapt its navigation algorithm to work around the objects which ensures smoother and efficient cleaning operations. Furthermore, its ability to capture and store images of encounter objects makes it a valuable database which can be used as references 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/

Lawrence, E (2022) How to map a house with the iRobot Roomba https://www.digitaltrends.com/home/how-to-map-house-with-roomba/

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

Colon, A and Moscaritolo, A (2023) The best robot vacuum 2023
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-robot-vacuums

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