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Roomba Vacuum Robot Opens to Hackers

FleaPlus writes "iRobot has quietly released the specifications (pdf) for the Roomba Serial Control Interface. Using a serial port one can now tinker with the Roomba by controlling behaviors, programming new songs, and remotely monitoring sensors. Hopefully this will allow for some clever hacks."

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  1. Re:They actually built these things? by djupedal · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Yes, they actually built those things.

    And they work great - be prepared to buy one for each family member that sees it in action.

    'The average geek house' ...is not exactly the 'average' target demographic. The manufacturer assumes a modicum of upbringing, that includes such routine habits as flushing the toilet more than once a day, not creating fire hazards by casual cable placement and knowing the fine art of routine household management.

    Roombas really are quite well thought out - knows when to go back and recharge...dozens of sensors help it learn...maps each room after one pass, etc. Very cool to watch in action, and a real treat to come home from work to a clean floor.