Samsung Creates Robot Vacuum Users Can Chat With

Robot vacuums, like most other modern devices, are being given the ability to understand human speech. At least, this is what Samsung did with their newest offering called POWERbot VR7000, which can be controlled via voice command. Now, it’s much closer to being something that homeowners have always wanted; a regular housekeeper.

The vacuum isn’t even out yet since it is scheduled to be showcased during the CES at Las Vegas, but Samsung is already making some big promises, Digital Trend reports. The VR7000 is slimmer than its contemporaries; 28 percent slimmer, to be exact. It’s only at four inches in height, but it still packs the same 20 watts in suction power that a lot of older vacuums in the market can provide.

Samsung’s offering also comes with what’s called an Edge Clean Master, which basically allows the vacuum to get as close to the wall as possible, thus cleaning out those tiny slivers of dust and hair that clings to the corner. It also comes equipped with a Visionary Mapping Plus as well as a FullView Sensor, both of which are meant to make the VR7000 much smarter than its competitors.

On that note, its biggest draw would have to be its voice control feature that can allow users to simply tell the robot vacuum what to do, but there’s a catch. Owners would also need to have the Amazon Echo in order to use the feature, PC Mag reports.

Once paired with the Echo, users can issue specific oral instructions that apply to pretty much all of the functions of the device. Unfortunately, this is the only way for owners of the VR7000 to use it using voice commands.

Aside from this method of control, however, users could also simply have the robot vacuum clean their home using an app. Through their mobile phones, users can do things like schedule cleaning times and check the robot’s cleaning history.