# Map-Assessing Robot Vacuums The New 'Roomba 980' Uses a Camera to Maneuver Around Furniture By Cadhla Gray | Published 2015-09-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-vacuums References: [techcrunch](http://techcrunch.com/2015/09/17/the-new-roomba-980-can-now-watch-your-dirt/?ncid=rss) & [irobot](http://www.irobot.com/For-the-Home/Vacuum-Cleaning/Roomba.aspx) While other robot vacuums exist on the market, there is no other device that can create a mental map of the home so that it never bumps into anything or misses a spot. Using a low-resolution camera, the Roomba 980 creates its very own [concept map, memorizing the layout](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-bespoke-ai-jet-bot-steam-ultra) of its owner's home. The vacuum moves in parallel lines to clean every spot on the floor, however, it can also [maneuver around clutter or furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-romo), going under or around it to avoid any damage. The low resolution level of the camera allows for it to take note of shapes and objects, without being able to take clear videos of personal lives that users may not want recorded. Finally, this line of robot vacuums can be conveniently controlled by an owner's smartphone to schedule cleaning times while on the go. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Map-assessing Robot Vacuums:** Opportunity for innovation in creating robot vacuums that can map and navigate a home without bumping into objects. - **Low-resolution Cameras:** Potential for disruptive innovation in developing low-resolution cameras that can recognize shapes and objects without compromising privacy. - **Smartphone-controlled Appliances:** Opportunity to create appliances that can be conveniently controlled and scheduled remotely through a smartphone. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Robotic Appliances:** Disruptive innovation in the robotic appliance industry to develop map-assessing robot vacuums that can navigate homes intelligently. - **Surveillance Technology:** Potential for disruptive innovation in surveillance technology to create low-resolution cameras that balance object recognition and privacy concerns. - **Smart Home Technology:** Opportunity for innovation in the smart home industry to develop smartphone-controlled appliances for remote monitoring and scheduling. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Robotic Vacuum Range Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irobots-new-robovacs.md) - [Low-Maintenance Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-vacuum-and-mop.md) - [Accessible Robotic Vacuum Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wyze-robot-vacuum.md) - [Self-Navigating Robot Mops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zigma.md) - [Advanced Robotic Vacuum Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-vacuum-technology.md) - [Security-Enhancing Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remote-checkin.md) - [Reactive Robotic Vacuum Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reactive-robotic-vacuum-cleaner.md) - [Dirt-Detecting Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/krcher-rvf-7-comfort-extra.md) - [Sleek Glass-Shell Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-romo-robot.md)