Robotic Cleaners, News

["Kenneth Watt" <kwatt@xxxxxxx>]

'Take me to your dirty carpets!'=20

ROBOTIC vacuum cleaners that clean rooms by themselves are now available to
UK consumers from =A3999.

Electrolux and Karcher have independently brought to market vacuum cleaners
that use sensor technology to clean a room and then automatically recharge
at a docking station.

The Electrolux version, called the Trilobite, has an initial retail price
o=
f
=A3999. Karcher's Robocleaner will set consumers back around =A31,500.

The launch of these futuristic machines heralds the start of a new era in
floorcare, say the two makers. The reason behind them is to make life
easie=
r
and free up more leisure time for people.

"Cleaning floors used to be a job that very few people were likely to
enjoy," said PR executive at Karcher, Jan Causebrook.=20

"However, Karcher's new Robocleaner is set to revolutionise the entire
concept of vacuum cleaning."

Both machines have been available in other European countries for around
si=
x
months, where their reception has been positive.

"Eighty-five percent of consumers from other countries have been
satisfied
with the Trilobite," said managing director at Electrolux Floorcare
UK,
Patrick Le Corre, "Seventy-five percent thought the cleaner was good
value
for money. The UK market has a high level of expectation when it comes to
cleaners, that's why we waited to launch it over here."

Electrolux said distribution will be targeted and will include selected
department stores, large multiples and independent outlets.

The maker is supporting its Trilobite launch with dedicated p-o-s material
and specialised retailer training.=20

Mr Le Corre commented: "The Trilobite represents the second generation
of
floorcare. It will be a good traffic driver for the trade and will increase
the value of the category."

Target consumers include young professionals and older consumers with money
to spend for whom vacuuming is a real chore. In France, a quarter of sales
so far have been to retired people.

Karcher's Robocleaner is available mail order from the Alternative Gift
Company and will be sold through Maplin and Empire Direct.