Ever since I first saw one, I’ve been lusting after a Roomba or Scooba – iRobot’s automatic hoovers and moppers. Not only would a robotic floor cleaner keep the floor clean, it would force us not to use it as a particularly large, albeit rather low, shelf. I’ve often thought about whether or not I could get one on a trip to the US, where they are (or at least, were) cheaper, but couldn’t figure out how to get it in my luggage.
Of course, when I see videos of cats riding Roombas, I want one even more. Sorry if that sounds dreadfully consumerist, but hell, I don’t own much so I think I’m allowed.
Ye gods, is that not just the cutest thing?
Then I got an email from Sam Johnston at Edelman with a press release?* about a new iRobot model, the Roomba Pet Series, which can apparently pick “more pet hair and dander with the help of higher capacity sweeper bins and additional accessories”. Of course, I am sure that Fflwff, Cassie and Polly would love to put the Pet Series to the test, so I asked for a “review unit”. Sadly, and I know you’re all gutted on my behalf, there wasn’t one available. I’ve apparently been put on a list, though!
I just hope that the Roomba Pet Series has been specially reinforced so that it can cope with the additional weight of unexpected passengers.
* Note for PR people: This does NOT mean that I suddenly want your junk in my inbox about cloning turtles. Remember: Cats, self-build or green build stuff only.