Robotic vacuums have increasingly become part of our lives, working tirelessly to keep our homes spotless. Yet, our canine companions have largely remained unimpressed by these cleaning gizmos. iRobot, the company behind the popular Roomba line of robotic vacuums, is ready to change this age-old dog versus vacuum feud with its latest experimental prototype – the T.R.E.A.T.
Breaking the Bark Barrier: Making Friends with Fido
iRobot’s innovative T.R.E.A.T., an acronym for Tasty Reward Emission Apparatus Thingy, is an ingenious Roomba attachment designed to dispense dog treats at will. The company aims to transform Roomba from a source of pet anxiety into a treat-dispensing buddy, bridging the gap between dogs and vacuums and turning cleaning days into a fun-filled experience.
The robot vacuum fitted with the attachment on iRobot’s T.R.E.A.T. microsite appears to be an iRobot Roomba j7, an advanced model from the brand’s j-series. At the time of writing, the Roomba j7 is discounted to $399 on Amazon, and the Roomba j7+, which includes an auto-empty dock, is $599.* As for the T.R.E.A.T.-equipped Roomba, no future pricing has been stated.
According to Matt Carrow, vice president of global media at iRobot, “We know sometimes their furry friends might feel a bit differently about things. We hope the T.R.E.A.T. experimental prototype will help bring some of our favorite pets and favorite robots a bit closer together.”
This charming concept isn’t just about the gimmick – it boasts high-end technology for precision in treat deployment. The T.R.E.A.T. utilizes sensors and microprocessors to ensure “laser-guided accuracy,” bringing not only peace but a whole new dimension of joy to your pet’s life.
More Than Just T.R.E.A.T.s – Cleaning with a Pet-Friendly Touch
While T.R.E.A.T. primarily targets canine members of your family, it offers other pet-centric features that even your feline friends would appreciate. It comes equipped with a pet lock to prevent pets from turning the Roomba on or off at will and object detection and avoidance capabilities to circumnavigate pet bowls, toys, and even pet waste.
Moreover, its dual multi-surface rubber brushes efficiently lift and remove pet hair, dust, and debris from every nook and cranny of your home’s floor. To top it off, the high-efficiency filters effectively trap 99% of pet-dander allergens, working like a built-in air purifier. Essentially, it’s a pet-friendly cleaning solution that caters to both pet owners and allergy sufferers.
Join the T.R.E.A.T. Movement
As exciting as it may be to have your vacuum turn into a treat-dispensing hero, there is a catch. T.R.E.A.T. is currently in its experimental prototype phase and is not available for purchase. However, interested pet owners can sign up for a trial and receive the attachment to test it out at home.
You merely need to fill out a simple form on the T.R.E.A.T. website for a chance to be part of this innovative experiment. Selected participants will receive the prototype for home trials, allowing your pet to be among the first to experience this groundbreaking innovation.
About iRobot
Founded in 1990, iRobot has been at the forefront of home robotics, revolutionizing home cleaning with its autonomous Roomba vacuum cleaners. With millions of Roomba devices already sold worldwide, iRobot continues to build on its history of innovation, finding new ways to improve the lives of people and their pets, one clean home at a time.
The creation of T.R.E.A.T. demonstrates iRobot’s commitment to continuous innovation and the holistic well-being of all family members, furry ones included. The introduction of this pioneering prototype furthers iRobot’s mission to provide innovative, practical solutions that make home maintenance more enjoyable for everyone involved.
* Amazon prices were effective on June 14th, 2023, and reflect promotional or sale pricing active on that day. Prices may have changed since the publishing of this article.