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Samsung announced a new robot vacuum at IFA 2014, and Leona Helmsley would've loved it. If she'd lived until 2014, she certainly would've replaced her servants with robots. After all, you don't have to pay payroll tax on a robot.
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And the Powerbot VR9000 certainly is a servant. It comes with a remote control that lets users point at a spot on the floor and instantly command the robot to clean it.
The technology is called Point Cleaning, and we think it's a demeaning way for humans to interact with the growing community of robotic helpers. We already make them clean our floors and ferry around our cats—this is just plain rude.
The Samsung Powerbot vacuum at IFA 2014.
Samsung says that pointing at dirt makes the cleaning experience "easier and funner" for consumers. If you're the Queen of Mean, maybe. But we think you should watch your back. When the robots take over, they'll remember who pointed at the floor and made them clean.
In addition to its submissive tendencies, the Powerbot uses an upgraded sensor to detect and avoid obstacles. It also has larger wheels to keep it from getting stuck on carpet tassels on its way to revenge-fueled world domination.
Check out all of Samsung's IFA 2014 Announcements:
- Samsung Unpacks New Note Phones, Co-Branded Oculus VR Headset
- Samsung's New TVs Are All About the Curves
- Samsung Demos Upscale Appliances, Elena Arzak Joins Club des Chefs
- Slim, Ruggedized Samsung Tab Active Debuts at IFA Berlin
- Samsung Flexes at IFA With a 105-inch Bendable UHD TV
- Samsung Outs a Curved Sound Bar to Match Its Curved TVs
- Samsung Adds Third-Party Support, Voice Control to Smart Home System
- Samsung UHD TVs Will Soon Stream Amazon's 4K Content
- Samsung Announces Its First 3G Smartwatch: The Gear S
- Samsung Adds Swarovski Band to Otherwise Tasteful Gear S