Beware of... Vacuum? (VC-RP30W Robot Vacuum Cleaner)

According to the March/April 2005 issue of Smart HomeOwner, the VC-RP30W Robot Vacuum Cleaner is a home vacuum cleaner than can do double duty as a home video surveillance monitor. The Samsung vacuum does all the typical cleaning stuff you'd expect from a robot vacuum: dirt pick up, air purifying, "auto-charging and sensor maneuvering," but it also can be controlled through the Web. You can use a keyboard to move it around the house or let it run on automatic.

So, what's the home security catch? The VC-RP30W, thanks to an onboard web cam, can be used for surveillance while you're away from home. It doesn't sound like it can replace your home security system (yet), but for those who love the latest in home automation toys, it could be fun.  At $3,000, the Samsung vacuum is arguably only for a select few (and right now it's only available in South Africa and Japan), but no doubt the technology will come down and price and be more widespread in the future.

More information:

Samsung Unveils Its Multifunction Robot Vacuum
www.samsung.com