Neato Robotics: the new generation vacuum robot

For a long time the iRobot Roomba has been viewed as being the leader at all levels (more than 5 million units sold during the last 7 years), but now the company can expect strong competition with: Neato. The generation of Roombas works through a simple enough technology, as explained here: "How do vacuum robots work?". A Silicon Valley startup, Neato Robotics introduces a new generation of vacuum robots that use 360 degree vision laser guidance, a very intelligent room-mapping tool (SLAM : simultaneous localization and mapping) and an ultra-powerful suction system (1 pass only). This is certainly the next vacuum robot empire -- the company has the means with this revolutionary product and their 15 million dollars of financing. View the video of the XV-11, the future Roomba-killer. At a price starting from $399 dollars, the Neato is affordable and better than the Roomba. Demonstration Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6QV1BT6QP8 On this video you can see the ultra-sophisticated system that allows Neato to map a room while taking into account changes in its environment such as the presence of a person (footprints in purple below) or moved, extra or removed objects. The intelligence of this vacuum is mind-blowing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zodC8EFvh7g The Neato also has a floor sensor which prevents it from falling down stairs when it sees a space. It can intelligently clean corners and recharge itself. It will alert you when it is full and possesses an LCD screen through which to communicate with you. In short it is the Rolls Royce of vacuums.