Evolution developed the software for the Sharper Image e Vac robot vacuum cleaner, which is now shipping. It's the third commerical product offered with Evolution-written software inside (the ER1 and the Sony Aibo are the other two).
“e Vac” is a pretty sad, unimaginative name (the space after the “e” throws me, too). But the robot is actually quite a bit more sophisticated than the Roomba, with special edge cleaning modes and a more powerful motor.
Posted by jjwiseman at June 01, 2004 05:51 PM...I'll buy one the moment somebody can make one return to a charging/dust disposal station...
Posted by: Conrad Barski on June 1, 2004 07:17 PMGood timing on this -- Gizmodo just linked to an article on why the Electrolux Trilobite vacuum is $1,800, compared to the Roomba's $160, and the ansewr was, "The Trilobite is smarter."
If the "e Vac" is smarter, but less than $1,800, you're in good shape. =)
I agree with Conrad's comment that they need to return to the charging stations. That'd be _cool_.
http://www.i4u.com/article1634.html
Posted by: Michael Hannemann on June 1, 2004 08:29 PMIs it e Vac or e•Vac™ Robotic Vacuum?
Posted by: Will Fitzgerald on June 1, 2004 09:07 PMThink of it not as a "space" after the "e", but as a _vacuum!_
Posted by: Fooblius on June 4, 2004 11:30 AMActually, a robot vacuum DOES exist which can return to its charging station and empty its dustbin. http://www.totalvac.com/robot_vacuum.htm
Posted by: KenwoodTrueX on June 11, 2004 01:11 PM