Unravel the "next generation" of Panasonic "Rulo" who declared the next -generation robot vacuum cleaner (Part 2)

The Panasonic robot vacuum cleaner "Ruro" series, which has been upgraded every year since the first model was released as a "triangular robot vacuum cleaner" in 2015.The new model "Rulo MC-RSF1000" released in 2020 features a lift-up mechanism that can survive a step up to 2.5 cm, which is equipped with navigation technology introduced in ships, submarines, and air control called "laser SLAM".It has evolved significantly in a different direction, such as adopting.

Following the last time, which talked mainly about mechanisms, designs, and technical parts, this time, we will have the person in charge talk about the exterior design centered on "product design".

As introduced last time, the new Rulo was developed with the Chiba Institute of Technology's Future Robot Technology Research Center (FURO), and the concept model that was announced in 2018 is the prototype.Not only technology, mechanism and design, but also appearance designs seem to be similar and have different elements.

It is obvious that the design and texture are differentiated while using Furo as the prototype, but as a major change, Riki Koga of the Panasonic Appliance Landry Cleaner Development Division Cleaner Development Division is "the size of the body".I will list it.

"As I mentioned earlier, the body height is slightly lower than the concept model from 114 mm to 99 mm so that it can be used at home, so it has become a little flat, but it has become a little flat, but the side shape and surface.By adjusting the angle, we are devising so that the mobility image of the robot vacuum cleaner is not impaired. "

Furthermore, there is a part that has changed the design to create a "dugment" and "robot feeling", and "in detail, the concept model has an LED display indicating the condition, and a button inside the lid.However, in the final product, we eliminated these. This is because such a display and buttons inevitably bring out "home appliances". In the last product, aiming for a "dug / robot feeling".Expressing the display in the color of the LED, as an indication of the intention, the buttons are used as much as possible and eliminated the display by letters. "

New Rulo is a model that is positioned as a flagship model in the whole lineup.In the market, the laser SLAM does not have the traditional Lulo, which is not equipped, as a standard model, but in addition to the shape of a "triangle", the symbolic design design that brings a sense of unity to the entire Luro is the Cleaner Product Planning Division.Wataru Urakawa explained:

"The new Lulo design has a different part from the conventional Luro. The Luro is a triangular and good at cleaning the corners, so this function is the same.The inheritance point other than the triangular shape is that it is based on white as a body color. With many black robot vacuum cleaners in the market, the white color of Luro is a color that symbolizes cleanliness and affinity with people.It is also supported, and it adopts white as a concept color. "

On the other hand, it emphasizes that it is a flagship model, and the point that differentiates from the standard model is the "laser sensor"."The new Luro is to differentiate the laser sensor from the conventional Luro as a design. By changing from a conventional geometric triangle to an organic form that makes you feel a sense of life.It expresses that the intelligence has evolved more. Specifically, by making the disk at the top sensor part into a geometric shape with silver painting and edges, it is equipped with a high texture and industry -level laser sensor.It expresses the evolution of technology and shows the difference from other products, "says Koga.

As a next -generation robot vacuum cleaner, Ruro has evolved dramatically in both hard and software.Finally, when I asked again about the direction of evolution in the future, Urakawa told me as follows.

"I believe that the evolution of Lulo will not only upgrade hardware such as sensors. By connecting to the network and updating software, new features can be added after the user purchases. For example, we plan to update Luro's cleaning status to a real -time map that can be confirmed in real time. As a smart home where all kinds of home appliances will be connected, the role of Lulo, the only home appliance that can move around the house, is responsible for the role. I think it is very large and full of possibilities. The evolution of Lulo does not stop here and evolves steadily. We are thinking about what can be provided according to changes in the trends in the world and user consciousness. I would like to come"

In the recent robot vacuum cleaner market, large and small companies in Japan and overseas have entered the market, and the market is mature to some extent compared to the old days of products, and it is becoming a priced competition.Under such circumstances, in addition to having a unique shape called "triangle", I would like to keep an eye on Panasonic's insatiable challenge, which has been working as a major Japanese manufacturer early and continuing to search for next -generation robot vacuum cleaners.