A limited series of just 400 units

Nov 10, 2008 11:31 GMT  ·  By

Pixar's latest animation movie, "Wall-E," has enjoyed a huge level of success around the world, and, as things usually go, this popularity has brought about the development of all sorts of branded products, most of them designed for kids. However, one of the most fitting devices of this type (which DOES NOT target children) has just been launched in Japan, in the form of a limited edition "Wall-E" Roomba cleaning robot.

Available in a very limited edition (just 400 units have been manufactured), the Roomba is actually built on the platform of the existing Roomba 530, with some slight design modifications (the top of the robot has been specifically branded with an image from Pixar's movie).

Since it's a 530 in "changed clothes," this contemporary "Wall-E," much like its movie counterpart, provides a fairly wide range of cleaning options. Thus, it can vacuum dirt, debris, pet hair, dust, allergens and more from carpets and hard floors, all the residues being stored in the large, bag-less bin. Furthermore, the fine filter traps dust, pollen and tiny particulates inside the bin, while the robot also detects dirtier areas and spends more time cleaning them. The "Spot Clean" feature provides quick clean-up of spills and concentrated messes, while the Roomba can also automatically sense and avoid stairs and other drop-offs.

Plus, it automatically returns to its self-charging Home Base to dock and recharge between cleanings, and also sports the Virtual Walls feature, which informs the Roomba where to clean by restricting off-limit areas. Too bad that it doesn't have a speaker to cry out "Eve! Eve!," because that would have really made it even more realistic.

What's really striking about this whole new limited-edition Roombas is the price point at which they'll be available. Thus, the "Wall-E" models will sell in Japan for around 84,500 Yen (roughly around 854.2105 U.S dollars), which is way, way above the normal price tag of the Roomba 530, which retails for just around $330. But hey, who doesn't want to have that lovely Wall-E in their own home?

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