The fifth-generation iRobot Roomba (model 560) takes vacuuming to a new level. Like its predecessors, the Roomba employs sensors to automatically maneuver around carpeted and bare floors, using brushes and vacuum suction to pick up dust, dirt, pet hair and more. The 560 comes with a recharging home docking station, and the unit can be programmed to begin a cleaning cycle at a set time. The Roomba package also includes a pair of virtual wall lighthouses for guiding the gadget.

Most remarkable about the Roomba 560 is its ability to maneuver in and out of tight spaces, such as under couches, beds and other raised furniture, where a traditional vacuum simply cannot reach. The unit wiggles into tight spaces, provided there is an opening of least 15 inches wide. The Roomba has three built-in travel behaviors that help it reach every inch of a given space. For example, it spirals for a concentrated cleaning path in a particular area, and it also uses internal sensors to feel its way along a wall or to navigate around furniture and other obstacles. The Roomba utilizes a "Dirt Detection" sensor to clean more intensely in an area where dirt is concentrated. It can take up to an hour to clean an average room, passing over each area multiple times.

The Roomba 560 has a rechargeable battery that takes about 16 hours to power up for first use. When fully charged, the Roomba can complete one thorough cleaning cycle of about 60 minutes, or several shorter cleaning cycles. Subsequent charging takes about 3 hours. Operation is extremely simple. The Roomba has an oversized "Clean" button to activate the automatic cleaning cycle, as well as a "Spot" button that triggers a 3-foot spiral to clean a concentrated area. There are also program buttons for scheduling an automatic cleaning cycle.

The Roomba's lighthouse accessories are especially useful. They can act as virtual walls to confine the Roomba to a particular room, or they can serve as guideposts to allow the 560 to clean one room, travel into a second (or third) room to continue cleaning and then navigate back to the docking station for recharging.

This gadget's cleaning system includes a side brush to sweep along wall edges and two counter-rotating brushes to scoop up dirt, pet hair and other debris, as well as a powerful vacuum to ensure everything is picked up. The Roomba works on all floor types, and it automatically adjusts to different surfaces. Dirt is collected in an internal chamber that is easy to empty in the trash, so there are no bags to change.

As great as the Roomba 560 is, it still has some limitations. First, it takes longer than a traditional vacuum, but since it is automatic and independent, this is an agreeable trade-off. Also, the battery life is sufficient to handle three or maybe four rooms, so if your entire house needs vacuuming, you will have to recharge the unit at least once to finish the job. The Roomba works best in clutter-free rooms where it can travel freely, so if you have a lot of furniture, the unit might get stuck. However, considering the time savings, the iRobot Roomba 560 is an extremely useful gadget for keeping your floors clean.


Pros: Completely automatic cleaning, rechargeable battery, docking station included, programmable cleaning schedule
Cons: Relatively slow, battery life is limited, too much furniture can create a problem

Warranty
1 year, limited