Sharp Corp. said Wednesday it will start a new service in December to enable users of its robot vacuum cleaner to operate electrical appliances from outside the home via smartphone.
For a suggested retail price of ¥15,750, users can add a remote control function to their Cocorobo robot vacuum cleaner, launched in June. They will then be able to activate other electrical devices, such as air conditioners and lights, the company said.
The vacuum cleaner can also be operated by remote control once the user has created a map of their home on their smartphone by downloading the appropriate free application software, the Osaka-based electronics maker said.
Sharp, which expects the robot vacuum cleaner market to grow steadily, said it aims to chalk up ¥7 billion this business year through March from sales of the robot vacuum cleaner, which can recognize and respond to simple voice commands and questions.