A hacked Roomba robot to detect pollution in your house

Who would have thought that while they were busy at work or dropping kids off to school, a reliable partner would be busy cleaning rooms of dust back home? Mind you, nothing escapes its radius. That’s Roomba, a robot that cleans home and is sweeping millions of households as we read this piece. And if that was not enough, this wonder device will soon be detecting the presence of air pollutants inside your home.

Roomba detects pollution

The way it is being modified, Roomba will now raise an alarm if the air inside your home (or even workplace) is not safe to breathe. This innovation came into being by the collective efforts of researchers at the Public Laboratory for Open Technology and Science (PLOTS), and the Rhode Island School of Design. The battery-operated robot will be coupled with few chemical sensors and an LED light which will turn from yellow to blue on sensing airborne alcohol. The device is touted to prevent many health hazards since it will be able to scan air quality.

Hang on, it doesn't end here. Researchers are working on adding another sensor that will be able to detect chemical presence of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), like formaldehyde. This chemical is most commonly found on wooden furniture and is a serious concern for patients suffering from asthma. It can even lead to dizziness, nausea and cause breathing problems.

Hacked robot detects pollution

“Using a Roomba with the attached sensors is more effective than a stationary sensor. It will be a greater success with a more portable solution such as a wand. It would be cheaper and easier to use,” said Sara Wylie, MIT researcher and director of toxins and health research at PLOTS.

People feel safest at home, oblivious to the presence of factors that could be affecting their health, most commonly air borne pollutants. Thanks to technology, a modified Roomba promises to redefine health - people will finally be living in a clean space, breathing clean air!

Via: TechnologyReview