LG’s robot vacuum cleaner adds new augmented reality control

LG has just added a new augmented reality control mode to its HOM-BOT robotic vacuum cleaner, according to reports today. The new control allows the vacuum to be directed to a particular space by opening the camera in the associated LG smartphone app and tapping the spot for cleaning in the ordinary view of the room. This functionality is in addition to its ability to be used like a remote control car to patrol the house and alert users to any motion detected. The LG HOM-BOT will be showcased as part of LG’s smart home gear at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on 6-9 January 2016.

If robot vacuums get much smarter, they'll soon be telling us how best to clean the house rather than vice versa. LG's latest HOM-BOT model adds a handy augmented-reality control mode to its existing high-tech features.

Instead of selecting an area on an overhead map or driving the robot remotely to an area of the house that needs a touch-up, you can just open up the camera in the associated LG smartphone app and tap the spot in an ordinary view of the room. The vacuum will determine where you and your phone are and where you've instructed it to go, and be on its way.

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It's a handy upgrade to a device that's already almost creepily advanced. The HOM-BOT can be told to patrol the house while you're away, not just picking up dust and dander, but sending an alert if it detects motion. And if you prefer a manual touch to your vacuuming, you can always take over and pilot the robot around like a remote control car.

There's no price or availability yet for the U.S., but LG's smart home gear should be on show at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas in January, so we can expect to hear more then.