DPRG mailing list archives: [DPRG] More Roomba Bashing

Mon Dec 18 00:29:42 CST 2006

OK- the Roomba isn't very smart. It would be good if it didn't dive into
sunken rooms. The code may not be very robust. It really isn't much more
than a Dustbuster on a so-so platform. On the up-side, it is currently
being manufactured in quantity and sells in the retail consumer market.
Version 2, the Scooba is also being manufactured in quantity and sells
in the retail consumer market. Roomba sales indicated that Scooba would
sell well also.

The point? A robot in the home is worth more than 2 on the drawing
board.

For more than a decade, we have put up with Microsoft shipping code that
was about 80% complete. We spend our time and resources to find the bugs
and report them. This marketing approach works well for Microsoft, why
do we expect more from iRobot? 

There was a mantra at a company where I used to work: "First to market!
First to market!" I believe iRobot has done just that. Consider that
iRobot is setting the benchmark for an in-home floor maintainer. They
are setting the pace for the competition. And speaking of competition,
where is it? There isn't any yet. iRobot is generating revenue.
Hopefully, they are plowing some of this into R&D for the next version.

As for myself, I'm waiting on the Scoopa to clean up the landmines the
dog leaves in the back yard. 

Sincerely,

Bruce K. Harlan
972-897-6709
bkharlan at bkharlan.com