Appliance Industry
Matsushita (Panasonic) Develops "Vacuum Cleaning Robot"
By Press
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Mar 25, 2002, 12:54pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts: Akira Kadota, International PR, Tokyo
Tel: +81-3-3578-1237 Fax: +81-3-3437-2776
Yoshihiro Kitadeya, International PR, Osaka
Tel: +81-6-6908-0447 Fax: +81-6-6907-2013

Matsushita (Panasonic) Develops "Vacuum Cleaning Robot"
Automatically senses and collects dust while covering an entire floor!

OSAKA, Japan -- Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known worldwide for its Panasonic-brand products, today announced it is developing a vacuum cleaning robot for household use through an innovative autonomous control system that uses a wide array of sensors which allows the robot to roam around a room, detect dust particles, and ensure its safety. The new prototype not only vacuums a room autonomously, but also efficiently, providing for less laborious housework and an easier lifestyle. Field testing in real Japanese households of the vacuum cleaning robot will begin in May.

While vacuum cleaning robots have been developed in the past, previous models have not been able to efficiently cover an entire room, thereby leaving behind much dirt and grime. Previous models have also not been able to completely evade dangerous areas. Matsushita's new vacuum cleaning robot operates by optimizing its movements in compliance to the shape of the room, the type of floor and the amount of dust. The robot operates in a crossover pattern, moving vertically then horizontally around a room avoiding any obstacles in the process. The various sensors allow for the robot to operate automatically and safely while constantly sensing its surroundings. What's best is that the vacuum cleaning robot is as powerful in picking up dust as regular vacuum cleaners.

Some of the new technologies being used in the new system are the following:

1.Obstacle Detection System: sensors that detect distance between the robot and obstacles

2.Running Control System: a gyro in the main body and sensor in caster wheel that make robot move straight

3.Sensing Control System: sensors that makes robot avoid drop from stairs or escape heating products

4.Cleaning Power Control Technology: changes running speed and suction power depending on the amount of dust on the floor.

The new vacuum cleaning robot can operate for 55 minutes on one charge, slightly more than conventional cordless vacuum cleaners. Matsushita Electric expects to continue development of the vacuum cleaning robot prototype as part of a wider initiative to meet the growing need for products that save time and lighten the burden of housework. Prototypes will be exhibited at BARRIER FREE 2002 to be held International Exhibition Center, Osaka, Japan from April 11th to 13th 2002.

About Matsushita Electric Industrial
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic, National, Technics, and Quasar brand names, is a world leader in the development and manufacture of electronics products for a wide range of consumer, business and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated sales of US$61.45 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001. In addition to the Tokyo and other Japanese stock exchanges (6752), Matsushita's shares are also listed on the Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, New York, Pacific (NYSE/PCX: MC), and Paris stock exchanges. For more information, visit the Matsushita web site at http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html.

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