New robot invented to clean wood flooring

Property owners with wood flooring in their homes may have a new helper to keep their floors in tip-top condition later this year after a US technology firm unveiled its latest robot prototype.

The Mint Cleaner robot, which has been developed by Evolution Robotics, has been designed to dust and mop hard-surface floors, including wood flooring.

Teresa Bridwell of Evolution told AFP: "It can sense everything in the room. If the furniture moves or there are kids or pets there, no problem."

Scientists have designed the robots to be able to reach into corners and room edges while avoiding obstacles via a light sensor navigation system.

The technology was given its first public demonstration at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the robots are set to go on sale in the US in the second half of 2010.

Last week, writer Pat Logan told readers of his San Fernando Valley Sun column that wood flooring should be vacuumed rather than washed or waxed.

Date : 11/01/2010
Category: Flooring home improvement news