In the modern home, where technology meets aesthetics, a black carpet is often the pinnacle of elegant interior design. Its deep, intense color brings luxury and sophistication that can transform any space into a work of art. But despite this beauty, the black carpet hides something that has long caused headaches for manufacturers of robotic vacuum cleaners. This mysterious challenge seems to have developed into a real technological conundrum. Why are robotic vacuum cleaners, these small but mighty helpers in the household, "afraid" of the black carpet?
In the world of home cleaning, iRobot's Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners have become true technological gems. With their help, entire rooms can be cleaned without any problems, while elegantly avoiding obstacles such as furniture and falling down the stairs. However, older models have had problems with vacuuming on black carpets. Fortunately, the latest models Roomba j7 and Roomba Combo j9, they no longer have these problems.
Photo: iRobotIn the early days of robot vacuum cleaner development, engineers quickly recognized a potential danger: stairs. They found a solution in the form of infrared sensors, installed on the underside of the robot. Robust and reliable, these sensors constantly scan the ground and prevent the robot from falling down the stairs. The operation of the sensors is based on the emission and reception of an infrared beam, which, if it does not encounter an obstacle, returns back to the robot and thus stops it from falling. Periodic cleaning of the sensors is recommended for optimal performance.
What about black carpets?
However, there was a challenge with the black surfaces. Black color absorbs light rays, including infrared, which is why older models of Roomba robot vacuum cleaners perceived black carpet as empty space and stopped. This was particularly problematic on carpets with a black and white stripe pattern, where the sensors were getting mixed signals.
On the latest models, Roomba j7 and Roomba Combo j9, these problems have been fixed with dual sensor system, which allows the detection of dark surfaces and does not mistake them for emptiness. Thus, black carpets are now just as accessible for vacuuming as any other surface.
In addition to these robot vacuum cleaners being able to effectively clean the home, iRobot is constantly upgrading and improving their navigation and suction capabilities. This constant concern for improvement and adaptation to the needs of users shows the company's commitment to providing the best possible experience when using their products. We can be sure that iRobot will continue to follow this trend, promising even more progress and innovation in the future.
