CES 2009: iRobot Introduces Looj 2

Writing by Evan Ackerman on Thursday, 8 of January , 2009 at 5:35 am

We reported last week that iRobot was planning on releasing a new product at CES this year. I speculated that it might be something related to the Create, the ConnectR, or even possibly a lawn mower. But I was totally, completely wrong: it’s the second generation Looj, an updated and improved version of the Looj gutter cleaning robot. We got ourselves a video demo at the CES Pepcom event tonight, and it does look like it works better than the original (with fake leaves, anyway):

Now, this is not simply a Looj with a bigger battery and a fresh coat of paint. To their credit, iRobot paid a lot of attention to their customers, and made a whole bunch of changes and improvements to the Looj based on user feedback. The augur has been redesigned, the antenna is now internal, the battery is easier to remove, and the Looj moves slower, making it more efficient and gutter cleaning.

The second generation Looj goes on sale this spring starting at $129.99.

For the record, after seeing the Looj demo, I asked iRobot about three things: the future of the Create, when we’re going to see a robotic lawn mower, and what’s going on with the ConnectR. iRobot said that they are generally happy with how the Create is going, that it’s a good educational tool, and they have no immediate plans for hardware updates any time soon. They wouldn’t speculate on a lawn mower, but we know they’re working on it.

As for the ConnectR, based on feedback that they got from their beta testing, iRobot has decided that the ConnectR basically needs a total hardware and software redesign, and will likely reemerge on a non-Roomba based platform. It’s also been more or less shelved for the time being, primarily because iRobot wants to make something that operates like the Roomba or Looj: you push one button, and it just works. The ConnectR was too complicated, and they need to rethink it, but iRobot also said that they feel telepresence is going to be big, and they’re still planning on making something happen with that… They’re just not sure yet what it’s going to be.

Full press release on the second gen Looj, after the jump.

LAS VEGAS, NV – Consumer Electronics Show – January 8, 2009 – iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT) today unveiled the second generation iRobot Looj Gutter Cleaning Robot at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The Looj, which makes gutter cleaning fast and easy by reducing ladder work and dangerous over-reaching, has new features that help it break up clogged leaves and debris faster and improve overall performance.

“We listened to our customers and designed an updated Looj based on their feedback,” said Matt Palma, Vice President Sales & Marketing, iRobot Home Robots Division. “The one-of-a-kind Looj saves people time and frees them from the dull, dirty and dangerous work of gutter cleaning better than ever.”

New Looj features include:
Internal antenna
Anti-flipping auger
Smart speed
Tool-less battery door

The winner of the 2008 Best of CES Innovations Award, iRobot Looj is the only product of its kind. Controlled by a wireless remote that doubles as a detachable handle, the Looj cleans an entire stretch of gutter while the human operator stays in one spot, reducing the need to climb and reposition the ladder multiple times or juggle tools at dangerous heights.

The iRobot Looj Gutter Cleaning Robot drives easily under gutter straps, propelled by a three-stage auger that dislodges and eliminates dirt, leaves and debris that can cause water damage, overspills and ice dams in addition to creating a breeding ground for carpenter ants, mosquitoes and other pests.

The new Looj models 125, 135 and 155 will be available for purchase at www.irobot.com and select retailers this spring for a starting price of $129.99.

[ iRobot Looj ]

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Category: Consumer

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Made Thursday, 8 of January , 2009 at 10:43 am

Internal antenna is nice touch. I had original looj and the antenna kept getting hung up in brackets.

BUT: this still is designed only to work on nice neat new gutters. The slightest bend in the brackets or low spot in gutter causes the looj to stall. Plus it hates tiny pine cones- it rides up on the cones and flips on it’s side.

It’s not worth it. Get a raincoat and hit the gutters from the ground with the water shooter. Or better yet, eliminate gutters and downspouts and use “french gutters.”