Features of the iRobot Roomba

The iRobot Roomba comes in the shape of a disc. It measures 13.4 inches in diameter and less than 3.5 inches in height. On its front half portion is a large contact-sensing bumper mounted. It comes with an infrared sensor at its very center so that the robot is able to measure the room and pick up signs of barriers as it cleans around a certain area. A carrying handle is also fitted on the top for easy handling and storage.

Depending on the model purchased, it may come with one to three "Virtual Wall" infrared transmitter units. There have been several generations of units, with each model fitted with improvements that seem to break barriers of conventional household cleaning.

Electricity is not an issue while the Roomba operates because it comes with internal nickel-metal hydride batteries that can be recharged once cleaning is completed. To charge the batteries, the unit comes with a wall plug. The later generations, however, come with a self-charging Homebase. The robot itself will automatically try to find it with the use of its infrared beacon. Charging takes approximately three hours, with the Home Base designed to adapt to second and third Roomba generations. The earlier models came with a twelve-hour charger, although a three-hour rapid charger is also an option.

The latest set of iRobot Roomba no longer need to be told the size of the room. The built-in sensors are already able to handle this task. Now, users can simply press the Clean button and the Roomba is all set to go.