World’s Only Gutter-Cleaning Robot Sports New Internal Antenna, Anti-Flipping Auger and Smart Speed
LAS VEGAS, NV – Consumer Electronics Show – January 8, 2009 – iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT) today unveiled the second generation iRobot® Looj™ Gutter Cleaning Robot at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The Looj, which makes gutter cleaning fast and easy by reducing ladder work and dangerous over-reaching, has new features that help it break up clogged leaves and debris faster and improve overall performance.
“We listened to our customers and designed an updated Looj based on their feedback,” said Matt Palma, Vice President Sales & Marketing, iRobot Home Robots Division. “The one-of-a-kind Looj saves people time and frees them from the dull, dirty and dangerous work of gutter cleaning better than ever.”
New Looj features include:
• Internal antenna
• Anti-flipping auger
• Smart speed
• Tool-less battery door
The winner of the 2008 Best of CES Innovations Award, iRobot Looj is the only product of its kind. Controlled by a wireless remote that doubles as a detachable handle, the Looj cleans an entire stretch of gutter while the human operator stays in one spot, reducing the need to climb and reposition the ladder multiple times or juggle tools at dangerous heights.
The iRobot Looj Gutter Cleaning Robot drives easily under gutter straps, propelled by a three-stage auger that dislodges and eliminates dirt, leaves and debris that can cause water damage, overspills and ice dams in addition to creating a breeding ground for carpenter ants, mosquitoes and other pests.
The new Looj models 125, 135 and 155 will be available for purchase at www.irobot.com and select retailers this spring for a starting price of $129.99.
Introducing the iRobot iTube Channel
In addition to the new Looj, iRobot will kick off the iRobot iTube online video channel at CES. This channel is part of the company’s commitment to support science, technology, engineering and math education through the celebration of achievement in robotics. Videos of iRobot products, fans and their pets have enjoyed widespread popularity on the Internet. The new iRobot iTube online video channel gives these creative expressions a home on the Web and opens up a new form of communication with iRobot for students, inventors and robot enthusiasts.
“I think this new site will help to excite and inspire young inventors. We want to create a community where people who are passionate about robots can share their thoughts, ask questions and show off their inventions” said Colin Angle, Chairman and CEO of iRobot “I am always amazed by the creativity and excitement around robots, and I’m looking forward to spending time on the site.”
To kick off the new site, there will be an iRobot iTube studio at the company’s CES booth that will allow attendees to create their own videos on a range of robo-topics. The best of these videos will be posted online. Each day at CES, the creator of the #1 video will win a free iRobot home robot. People can also submit videos online by visiting www.irobot.com/ces.
To learn more about iRobot, the Looj and iTube, please visit the iRobot CES booth # 72454 in the Sands Expo Convention Center.
About iRobot
iRobot designs and builds robots that make a difference. The company’s home robots help people with smarter ways to clean, and our government and industrial robots protect those in harm’s way. iRobot’s consumer and military robots feature iRobot AWARE™ robot intelligence systems, proprietary technology incorporating advanced concepts in navigation, mobility, manipulation and artificial intelligence. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.
For iRobot Investors
Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, iRobot Corp.’s expectations concerning management's plans, objectives and strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. iRobot Corp. undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by iRobot Corp., see the disclosure contained in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Contact: | |
Elise Caffrey Investor Relations iRobot Corp. (781) 430-3003 ecaffrey@irobot.com |
Nancy Smith Media Relations iRobot Corp. (781) 430-3323 nsmith@irobot.com |