Facts on the Trilobite
The Trilobite is the world’s only series-manufactured, automatic
vacuum cleaner.
The first prototype was presented to the public in 1997 on the BBC TV
program “Tomorrow’s World.” The Trilobite, which will
be on the market in a couple of weeks, has extensive research and
development behind it.
The Trilobite is a totally new product compared to the prototype that
was presented in 1997. The product that soon will be available in
shops has a charging station where the vacuum cleaner docks by itself,
three cleaning programs (normal, quick, and spot vacuuming), a
reusable dust box (no dust bags are needed), flexible drive wheel
suspension and an LCD display. The Trilobite now also has improved
sonar for navigation (more microphones and enhanced frequency), which
improves its “sight,” a new fan system and high-performance,
environmentally friendly batteries (nickel-metal hydride). The actual
vacuum cleaner system has also been improved in several ways,
resulting in reduced noise levels and other benefits.
Ultrasound navigation
The vacuum cleaner navigates using ultrasound – just like a
bat. The sonar that emits the ultrasound vibrates at a rate of 60,000
Hz and is coated with a thin gold plate for best performance. The
Trilobite has no problem avoiding collision with things placed on the
floor – for example the dog’s water bowl. Special magnetic
strips are placed in doorways, near stairs and other openings. These
act as a wall, keeping the Trilobite in the room. The machine contains
sophisticated electronics and four motors – one for each driven
wheel, one for the brush and one for the fan.
Finds its own charger
The machine can find its own way back to the charger. If the cleaning
hasn’t been completed when the vacuum cleaner needs to be
charged, the Trilobite continues cleaning when charging is finished,
after about two hours. Once cleaning is completed, the machine returns
to its charging station and switches to rest mode.
Three cleaning programmes
The Trilobite has three cleaning programs – normal, quick and
spot. One charge is sufficient for one hour’s cleaning.
Normal: The machine cleans first along the walls and then all open
areas. When it scans the wall, the Trilobite creates a picture of the
room. The wall phase then forms the basis for calculation of the time
required for independent cleaning.
Quick: Skips the wall phase and carries out independent cleaning
directly.
Spot: Cleans an area of approx. 1 m’ twice.
Made in Västervik, Sweden
All Trilobite manufacture takes place at the Electrolux plant in the
town of Västervik in Småland, Sweden.
To be exported
Sweden is the first market for the Trilobite, but the product will be
exported to other countries.
Technical data
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The Trilobite Diameter: 350 mm Height: 130 mm Weight: 5 kg Noise level: Approx 75 dBA Power: Approx 90 W Speed: Max 0.4 m/sec Navigation: 180º ultrasound Quick stop: Lift the machine Dust collector 1.2 liters Vacuum duration Approx 60 mins/charge Batteries Environmentally friendly nickel metal-hydride Charging duration Approx 2 hours |
Charger Height: 130 mm Width: 160 mm Length: 380 mm Weight: 0.8 kg Input voltage AC 230-240 V, 50/60 Hz Output voltage: Max DC 28 V Power: 60 W Cord length 180 cm |
Although some people might enjoy pushing around a 20-pound noise machine, the rest of us would rather do something else. Like watch paint dry. Fortunately, the tedious cleaning chore may become extinct. Last year, Electrolux introduced the Trilobite, the world's first automatic vacuum cleaner. Inspired by an oval-shaped, flat prehistoric animal that cleaned ocean floors, the Trilobite uses ultrasound to "see" like a bat; it follows a path along room walls to determine layout and cleaning time. Its eight detectors allow it to move around obstacles, including pets and children. Electrolux's Trilobite sells for 1,500 Euros ($1,400) in Sweden and is expected to have a wider launch later this year.