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        Robotic vacuum runs Windows CE

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Aug 24, 2011 | Comments: 1


        Toshiba announced a robotic, Windows CE-based vacuum cleaner that uses an onboard camera to map out rooms and avoid obstacles. The "Smarbo" operates up to 90 minutes on a charge, automatically returns to its docking unit for charging, and includes both standard and "turbo" cleaning modes, the company says.

        Toshiba's Smarbo was announced in Japan Aug. 24, and is an obvious competitor to other robotic vacuums such as the well-known Roomba. Its manufacturer said nothing about the device's operating system, but photos (below) make clear that the Smarbo is actually a rebadged version of Samsung's NaviBot, which was introduced in 2010.

        Samsung's NaviBot SR8855 (left) is apparently identical to Toshiba's new Smarbo (right)

        Samsung didn't provide processor or operating system information either, but Microsoft revealed in a pre-Mothers Day press release earlier this year that the NaviBot runs Windows CE. Would-be hackers have attempted to disassemble the device and reprogram it, but we haven't heard of anyone succeeding in the latter.

        The Toshiba-branded Smarbo is apparently equivalent to Samsung's SR8855 model, a high-end version that comes with an onboard timer/scheduler, touch-sensitive buttons, and two VirtualGuard accessories. The Virtual Guards are infrared-emitting boxes that may be used either to mark off a "no go" zone or delineate an area that should be cleaned first.

        Both the Smarbo and the NaviBot are self-propelled vacuum cleaners that employs 38 different sensors -- including both infrared and touch -- to direct its path around a home. The devices can stop and reverse themselves if they are about to fall downstairs or if it becomes entangled in wires, according to Samsung and Toshiba.


        Toshiba's Smarbo

        Samsung previously noted that the NaviBot is equipped with a triple brush system and a removable, washable HEPA filter, the device needs just two hours to recharge, adds the company. Toshiba repeats the charging claim and adds that the Smarbo will operate for 90 minutes per charge.

        According to Toshiba, the Smarbo has both standard and "turbo" cleaning modes, and may be programmed to use the noisier mode only when no one is at home. Like the NaviBot, it's also said to have an onboard camera that captures 30 frames per second, documenting a home's layout and memorizing the most efficient cleaning path.

        Availability

        Samsung's NaviBot has not been offered in the U.S. as far as we're aware, but its SR8855 is listed by Amazon U.K. for about 332 pounds (about $543). Toshiba did not announce a price for its Smartbo version, as far as we could see.

        Jonathan Angel can be reached at jonathan.angel@ziffdavisenterprise.com and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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