iRobot's New Roombas

The new model robots are designed to require much less human supervision. Here's the low-down on the new iRobot Roomba 500 series (530, 560 and 570):

• Anti-tangle technology to free itself of tassles and tangles (demo here)
• Able to sense walls/furniture and automatically slows down to soften the impact (demo below)
• Operates with one push of the clean button
• Better motion on thick carpets and transition between surfaces
• 33% larger dirt-bin
• IR walls ('Virtual Wall Lighthouses') prevent the robot from venturing into another room before the first is cleaned (only on 560 and 570 - demo below)
• On-board scheduling (only on 560 and 570)
• Improved side-brush to better clean corners and edges
• Modular design for easier upgrades/repair
• Wireless controller for Roomba 570
• Custom face-plates

Prices: $299.99 for the 530, $349.99 for the 560, $399.99 for the 570

Also, iRobot mentions a Roomba 535 which, like the 570, will include a wireless controller.