While most people traditionally associate IFA to the idea of high-tech imaging solutions and consumer electronics, the truth of the matter is that companies who do participate at the expo come prepared with a much wider range of products, with Samsung being one of the best examples of this situation.

So, beside all of their 3D displays and Blu-ray players, notebooks and the Galaxy Tab internet tablet, the Korean company also brought to light its new robot vacuum cleaner, the NaviBot, which is capable of moving in complete autonomy over many different surfaces, delivering a powerful cleaning performance even on carpets and rugs.

NaviBot is driven by two CPU control chips that run an innovative, intelligent navigation program, allowing the NaviBot to see a home and remember where it is at all times in relation to objects and the charging base.

A small integrated camera provides a Visionary Mapping System, which takes 30 photos per second of a room and using these images, the NaviBot creates a virtual map of a home, identifying the exact location of obstacles such as furniture and interior decorations.

So, by calculating the quickest and safest route to take, the NaviBot is able to clean the house quickly and efficiently.

Also, if one charge is not enough to finish cleaning a particular area, the NaviBot automatically returns to its docking station and fully recharges within 2 hours.

The NaviBot has 38 sensors to ensure more reliable cleaning and to avoid problems such as falling down the stairs, severe collisions and getting tangled in cables.

Brushes at either side of the device enable faster and better cleaning performance, when cleaning edges and a Sweeping Blade takes over after the Power Brush has done its job, to help collect additional dirt and debris.

The Brush protection comb helps improve the pick-up of pet hair and works to prevent hair from getting wrapped around the Power Brush, making the NaviBot even more convenient and low maintenance.

The NaviBot is well-suited for everyday cleaning and features five different modes including Auto, Spot, Max, Edge clean, and Manual, as well as the option to delay the start of the cleaning program, allowing users to clean their homes without being there.

Additionally, the NaviBot features a Virtual Guard which creates an invisible screen across the room, enabling the user to choose between two helpful functions, namely “Virtual Fence” mode, that screens off an area that should not be cleaned – like an open fire place, or a wet bathroom floor, and “Virtual Guide” mode that sets the order in which each room should be cleaned.

Well, too bad Samsung's not provided us with any significant pricing or availability information, because the NaviBot is sure quite a serious competitor for the Roomba and the other cleaning robots available out there.  

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