# Autonomous Vacuums The Toshiba Smarbo Cleans Up House So You Don't Have To By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-08-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smarbo References: [geekologie](http://www.geekologie.com/2011/08/robots-running-rampant-toshiba-develops.php) & [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2011/08/25/toshiba-smarbo-robot-vacuum-cleaner/) [Toshiba's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aurex-axrp10) Smarbo is a self-directed robotic vacuum cleaner -- if the concept sounds familiar, it's because [iRobot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irobots-new-robovacs) introduced the idea back in 2002. Toshiba, however, intends to steal the patronage of the famous [Roomba's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roomba-205-dustcompactor-combo-robot) 2.5 million customers with its newer, more intelligent robot. $1,175 sounds steep for a vacuum cleaner, but is it a fair price for an autonomous household helper? Armed with two processors, a camera and 38 sensors that detect obstacles, the Smarbo is capable of cleaning up a 100 square-meter room in under 90 minutes. Worried about leaving a vacuum on for more than an hour? Toshiba's robot will only suck $0.03 in electricity during the course of a hoovering session. Should you spill some debris on your carpet, you can even program the Smarbo to concentrate on a small area. The robotic campaign to clean your floor begins on Oct. 1 in Japan, while North Americans have another fiscal quarter in which to pray and prepare themselves. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Autonomous Vacuums:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation lies in developing more intelligent and efficient autonomous vacuums with advanced sensors and capabilities. - **Robotic Cleaning Technology:** The advancement of robotic cleaning technology presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in creating smarter and more effective household cleaning solutions. - **Smart Home Appliances:** The integration of autonomous vacuum cleaners, like the Toshiba Smarbo, into smart home systems offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the home automation industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Robotics:** The robotics industry can explore disruptive innovation in the development of more advanced and intelligent robot cleaners for various household chores. - **Home Appliance:** The home appliance industry can leverage disruptive innovation by incorporating autonomous cleaning technology into a wider range of household appliances. - **Smart Home:** The smart home industry has the potential for disruptive innovation by integrating autonomous cleaning robots into comprehensive home automation systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Arm-Equipped Robotic Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roborock-saros-z70.md) - [AI-Powered Robotic Vacuum Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roborock-saros-10-and-10r.md) - [Robotic Vacuum Range Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irobots-new-robovacs.md) - [Self-Navigating Robot Cleaning Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airrobo-t9.md) - [Dirt-Detecting Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/krcher-rvf-7-comfort-extra.md) - [Accessible Pro-Grade Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mova-e40-ultra-robot-vacuum-and-mop.md) - [High-Power Three-in-One Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesvor-s5-max.md) - [Sleek Glass-Shell Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-romo-robot.md) - [Stair-Climbing Robot Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roborock-saros-rover.md)