Advanced model

Some people are tinkering with their Roomba robotic vacuums, but not much of it has to do with cleaning floors. When iRobot Corp. introduced the Roomba in 2002, the company was hailed for making available the first home robot. But for some, the disc-shaped machine that zips across floors sucking up dirt and dust is more than an electronic housekeeper: It’s a science project on wheels, a surrogate pet, even a fashion statement.

People are reprogramming and revamping their Roombas to add new functions, and to have fun.

Hackers find the Roomba especially tempting because it combines advanced robotic technology with a modest price tag: as little as $150. Until the Roomba arrived, amateur builders had to start from scratch.

And iRobot is happy to help them experiment. In October, it introduced a $30 kit that lets people reprogram the software in older Roombas so they can modify how they work. The newest models feature a digital data port, similar to those found on personal computers, that permits control of the robot’s sensors and motors. And iRobot is even giving university robotics labs free Roombas to use as teaching aids.

It’s how I clean my study; but, I never thought of having it read me my email!