You may have noticed that I have been on a robotics kick lately. Sure thing, many of my recent posts have been on commercial devices that can do double duty as assistive technology for people with disabilities.

Over the last five years or so there has been a virtual explosion of devices that were not necessarily designed to serve people with disabilities. Unintentional assistive technology so to speak. Thank you robotics, system miniaturization, and the folks at Apple.

Here’s a neat number that can automate the nastiest of home chores from the outside or the inside of a wheelchair. Vacuuming #**)@!*$, yuk!

The iRobot Roomba traverses your floors and has iAdapt technology to learn your room layouts and spot dirt and debris. It has multiple sensors and can be programmed to clean on certain days and certain times. This low profile roller avoids stairs and drops and can get under most furniture. The dirt sensors make sure that a room is cleaned before iRobot moves on to the next room. It even returns to its docking/charging station on its own.

I know, how much? This one will run you $599.99. Not a give away but about half the cost of replacing a motor on your wheelchair. But please, fix your wheelchair first.