Page 22 - Hacking Roomba
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Getting Started                                                 chapter



                   with Roomba







                        Robot has produced a dizzying variety of Roomba vacuuming robots
                        since the original Roomba model was introduced in 2002. They now
                     ihave even the Scooba, a robot that washes floors.
                     Compared to other robotic vacuum cleaners, the typical Roomba robotic
                     vacuum cleaner is very inexpensive at under $300 for even the most  in this chapter
                     expensive Roombas and $150 for the least expensive. The cheapest
                     new Roombas can be found for around $100 on the Internet. For a     Uncover how
                     vacuum cleaner that’s a pretty good price. For a robot that’s also a vacuum
                     cleaner, that’s an amazing price. And for a robotic vacuum cleaner that’s  Roomba evolved
                     hackable by design?
                                                                                        Explore which
                                                                                         Roomba models
                     Quick Start                                                         are hackable

                     If you’re already familiar with Roomba, know it’s compatible with the    Examine the
                     Roomba Open Interface (ROI), and you’d like to start hacking immedi-  components of
                     ately, skip to Chapter 3 to begin building some hacks. If you’re uncertain  Roomba
                     which Roomba you have, if it is hackable through the ROI, and want to
                     learn the details on the ROI protocol that enables all these hacks, keep    Learn about the
                     reading.
                                                                                         OSMO//hacker
                             All projects in this book will utilize the Roomba Open Interface  module
                             (ROI). It was previously known as the Roomba Serial Command
                             Interface (SCI) and you’ll find many references to the SCI on the
                             Internet. It’s exactly the same as the ROI; only the name has
                             changed.


                     What Is Roomba?


                     Roomba is an autonomous robotic vacuum cleaner created by iRobot
                     Corporation. To operate, Roomba requires no computer and no technical
                     knowledge from its owner. It only needs a power outlet and occasional
                     cleaning, like any vacuum cleaner.
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