RoboMaid
The RoboMaid (currently named RoboMop) was an inexpensive (US$20 or less) robotic floor duster introduced by TeleBrands Corporation in 2004 and sold by mail order as an As seen on TV product in the United States, apparently in an attempt to capitalize on the success of the iRobot Roomba. The device consisted of a hat-shaped frame with an electrostatic dust pad on the bottom, driven by a self-propelled ball that fit into the middle of the frame. The product was powered by a rechargeable battery that could be plugged into house current.
The product is no longer available in the United States. Reviews cited it as having unreliable mechanical design and expensive-to-replace pads; however, it is still available in some other countries as the RoboMop. Amazon rating is 4 out of 5 stars. The RoboMaid rating has been pulled down mainly because of very expensive refill in this rating. RoboMop is interested in starting up in the US again and reported that they will reduce the cost of refill significantly
The product is patented in multiple countries and RoboMop International owns the patents. Robomop is invented by Norwegian Torbjørn Aasen.
See also
- Swiffer, a hand-held product that uses similar electrostatic pads for dust removal