Winbot 7 window cleaning robot uses a vacuum seal to stick to the glass
Robots are supposed to do our dirty work, so why not have them deal with the unenviable task of cleaning the outsides of our windows? It's certainly been done before, but here at CES 2013 we've just had the opportunity to try out a new model, the Winbot 7 from Ecovacs. Like a Roomba (as well as other window-cleaning robot competitors), the Winbot 7 automatically moves along your window surface while cleaning and squeegeeing the glass. What makes this robot better than the rest is that it uses a vacuum seal to stick onto the window instead of a separate magnet piece that similar products use.
To clean a window using the Winbot, you plug it in to a power port, spray the cleaning pads with a solution, place it against the window, and turn it on. The vacuum then grabs hold, and the robot will first drive down to the bottom of the window frame (and then the top) to measure the surface. From there, it zig-zags to clean the entire window before returning to its original location. The Winbot only does this one pre-programmed route, though if you'd like to control it manually there is a remote. If you're a bit afraid of sticking a robot onto your window, Ecovacs tells us that the robot has a backup battery that will maintain suction in the event of a power outage while the Winbot drives down to the bottom of the window. There's also a suction cup connected to the cord that will prevent the robot falling to the ground should the connection fail.
There are two models of the Winbot 7 — the W710 and W730 — both are identical save for a sensor that detects the edge of frameless windows, which is only present in the latter. Both will be on sale this spring for about $399.
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I dunno, $400 is a lot of Windex and paper towels.
Jan 10, 2013 | 3:12 PM 01.10.13 3:12p Reply
I’m guessing this’d be a better solution for high-rise buildings because Windex & man power is far more logical than this $399 device in almost every conceivable scenario.
Jan 10, 2013 | 3:13 PM 01.10.13 3:13p Reply
The issue is a high rise has lots of windows, and in between each window is some sort of divider, this thing can’t make it over that. Also most high rise windows don’t open.
Jan 10, 2013 | 3:26 PM 01.10.13 3:26p Reply
Indeed, so essentially this device is a cool idea that is pointless at its price point. At $50, maybe even $100, you’d have a sensical product.
Jan 10, 2013 | 3:32 PM 01.10.13 3:32p Reply
It’s corded, so that could be a problem with high-rises.
Jan 10, 2013 | 5:38 PM 01.10.13 5:38p Reply
Seems like a great solution for a landlord with a smallish apartment complex or several 2+ story properties.
Jan 10, 2013 | 5:42 PM 01.10.13 5:42p Reply
It really doesn’t though. I see no great use application at that price point.
Jan 10, 2013 | 9:10 PM 01.10.13 9:10p Reply
Winbot 8, now with Live Tiles.
Jan 10, 2013 | 3:55 PM 01.10.13 3:55p Reply
WTF , they stole my idea , i made a prototype similar last year in my university…
FUCKKKKKKK
Jan 10, 2013 | 4:01 PM 01.10.13 4:01p Reply
I’ll wait for the Winbot 8. It’s suppose to suck a lot.
Jan 10, 2013 | 4:07 PM 01.10.13 4:07p Reply
I’d be worried that it would randomly lose suction and just drop off the window. Even falling 6 feet onto carpeted floors enough times could turn this into nothing more than a nice doorstop.
Jan 10, 2013 | 5:50 PM 01.10.13 5:50p Reply
My cat Pfeffer would really enjoy watching this clean the dirty windows so he could see the birds better!
Jan 11, 2013 | 5:48 PM 01.11.13 5:48p Reply
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