Neato Robotics has just introduced a new home robot vacuum cleaner called the VX-11 that features a laser and a jet engine. Unfortunately, it’s not as cool as it sounds, since it uses the laser to move around and the “jet engine” to clean–instead of the other way around, which would have been awesome). It’s actually built with a laser tracker and a vacuum system based on a “jet engine design” which lessens the hype, but it does promise to do a better, smarter job of keeping the floor clean with less human intervention.

The VX-11’s smarter system is attributed to Room Positioning System (RPS) Technology, which gives the robo-cleaner a 360-degree view of a room. The laser tracker allows it to map details and plan its routes accordingly instead of dumber robots that just bump around aimlessly. More built-in smarts abound on this robot, including self-docking (it returns to its base to recharge after doing its job) and a programmable schedule so it can do its job on its own.

The VX-11 is also built with a centrifugal compression impeller (a sucker based on jet engine principles) for picking up dirt and debris off the floor. The straight front-end also lets it do a better job of cleaning corners (compared to circular-shaped bots), and a larger 660cc dustbin that lets it pick up more before users have to clear it out.

The VX-11 will be available in February 2010, and can be bought through Neato’s website for $399.

Tags: Digital Home, Neato Robotics, Robots

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