Last year Dyson introduced its science fiction-like 360 Eye robot vacuum cleaner, and now the autonomous gadget will hit the market in Japan after launching in the company's Tokyo flagship store on October 23, Friday, and a nationwide rollout on Monday. Dyson's robotic vacuum will have a price tag of around $1,150, which is about $250 pricier than the iRobot Roomba 980. The tech company explained that the delayed launch was due to fine-tuning its performance by reducing noise and boosting battery life.
Another tweak Dyson made was to teach the robo-vacuum to avoid falling down "genkan," according to The Verge. They are traditional Japanese entryway areas where people take off shoes, which is usually one step lower than the rest of the flooring.
The smart cleaning machine continuously studies and interprets its environment. Its 360-degree vision system allows it to see the entire room at one time, while a combination of complex math including geometry and trigonometry allows it to determine where it has been, and which areas are left to tidy up.
360 Eye is also equipped with Dyson's "Radial Robot Cyclone" tech. Its high-speed centrifugal (outward) force allows it to pick up bits as small as mold and pollen, according to PC Mag.
Rather than rolling on wheels, the futuristic-looking cleaner uses "tank tracks" to provide better traction. It also includes a rare full-body width suction feature.
Dyson's robo-vac operates with the company's Link app for Android and iOS platforms. This allows users to schedule the mini household helper and remotely control the device from outside the house, apartment, or condominium.
The 360 Eye will be available globally in 2016. However, no release dates have been announced yet.
Dyson is a British technology company that was founded in 1993.
Here's a first look at the Dyson 360 Eye: