Samsung is breaking into the robot vacuum market with the VR9000. The Samsung Powerbot was unveiled at the IFA 2014 convention.
The Powerbot’s biggest claim to fame is the suction that rivals that of a conventional vacuum cleaner. It has cyclones to suck in the dirt and debris. The enlarged brushes are to improve its ability to pick up heavy particles, minimize tangling and reduce the possibility of clogged filters. Samsung says the vacuum gets good enough suction to eliminate the need for side brushes, which are a hassle to clean.
This Samsung vacuum has a full view sensor to help it avoid obstacles and recognize when it won’t fit in a space. The Powerbot has drop sensors like Roomba and Neato. The large wheels prevent it from getting tangled up in cords, a problem Roomba and the Neato Robotics both suffer. And it should be able to move onto raised carpet and rugs without getting stuck.
This vacuum has a remote control, something many of the newer Neatos and more expensive Roombas have, so you can spot clean the carpet on demand.
Samsung says that this vacuum’s large brush size means it will clean rooms much faster than its competitors, decreasing the odds of its battery running out before it finishes a room.
Samsung’s Powerbot VR9000 comes in blue and gold and blue and black. This color scheme is probably to distinguish it from the black hockey pucks, Roomba, and the white and neon colors of the Neato.
Samsung hasn’t given us pricing information for this model, so we can’t say how it compares on features relative to price to its competitors. Its features are most comparable to the Roomba 880, which is $700 new.
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