iRobot Looj and iRobot ConnectR Showcased at DigitalLife

Say hello to the iRobot Looj "Gutter Cleaning Robot" and iRobot ConnectR "Virtual Visiting Robot." If you recall, the iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaning robot, with over 2 million units sold to date, is already out there cleaning floors worldwide, and these new iRobots have their own useful features that may catch on with consumers on the bleeding edge.

A first of its kind, the iRobot Looj Gutter Cleaning Robot is designed to simplify the difficult and dangerous job of gutter cleaning. The Looj cleans an entire stretch of gutter from one location, reducing the number of times a ladder must be repositioned and climbed during gutter cleaning. The 2.25-inch high Looj drives easily under gutter straps propelled by a three-stage auger that dislodges and sweeps out dirt, leaves and other debris that can cause costly water damage, overspills and ice dams. The Looj also features a detachable handle that doubles as a wireless remote control, providing full control of the robot while cleaning. With a starting price under $100, the Looj is available immediately in the U.S. from www.irobot.com and in select retailers in the fourth quarter of 2007.

iRobot ConnectR is a new kind of communications system designed for today’s busy families and individuals seeking greater connection and involvement with kids, grandchildren, friends and pets. The ConnectR links easily to a home wireless network and provides VOIP-quality video and two way audio communications with a remote person. Similar in scale to the Roomba, the ConnectR features a top-mounted, full tilt-and-zoom video camera, speaker, microphone and headlight to enable users to see, hear and interact with people in the home as if there in person. The ConnectR is simple to operate via included ConnectR software, enabling remote users to “call” and drive the ConnectR around the home using a computer keyboard, mouse or joystick. Like other iRobot home robots, the ConnectR has a charging base located in the home. When the ConnectR’s battery runs low, the unit automatically returns to the home base to charge.

The ConnectR will become broadly available in early 2008 through iRobot and select retail partners with a starting price of under $500.