iRobot Corporation, a Massachusetts-based robotics company that popularized the robot vacuum "Roomba," is all set to bring to the market a new household device that will make backyard chores a lot easier.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently given its approval to the company for the release of a robotic lawn mower (RLM), according to a report from Reuters.
There are not a lot specific details about the device; but according to the news report, the robotic lawn mower works with stakes in the ground, which transmit signals wirelessly to power up the mower and instruct it where to mow.
According to CNBC, this is not the first time that a robotic lawn mower will be introduced in the market. Brands of robotic lawn mowers such as Bosch and Robomow already exist.
However, iRobot claims that its RLM is different from the rest, since other brands still need complex installations and initial setups before users can enjoy a hands-free lawn mower.
iRobot's version uses the stakes, which stick out 24 inches from the ground and emit the signals for the mower.
This design required a waiver granted by FCC to ensure that the signal-emitting process of the device will not interfere with operations from The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO).
Initially, the NRAO made its objections on the company's request for a waiver; but according to an iRobot spokesman, FCC had done an assessment and confirmed that the device will not affect radio astronomy, as stated in the Reuters report.
FCC ensured that the signal beacon from iRobot's device should be safe, provided that the company adheres to the specified limitations of the beacon's height, intensity of signal, and residential use.
Reports of an RLM from iRobot have been circulating for almost a decade; and still, it appears that it won't be hitting the markets very soon.
iRobot has yet to announce a definite date when the RLM will be available for sale.
