Tech

FCC filing shows Dyson is prepping next Roomba rival

This could be Dyson's next robovac.

This could be Dyson’s next robovac. (credit: Dyson)

British vacuum cleaner company Dyson doesn’t want to be left in the dust when it comes to robotic vacuums. The company’s current robovac, the Dyson 360 Eye, is out of stock in the US right now. But recent FCC filings show that the company is working on a potential new product to help address the demand for mechanical housekeepers.

Dyson’s FCC filings, spotted by The Verge today and titled “Dyson 360 VISNAV,” point to a striking blue offering with “Dyson 360 Hyperdymium” branding. Hyperdymium refers to a proprietary motor technology that can “run at speeds of up to 125,000 revolutions per minute,” according to Dyson. Dyson also says the tech allows it to make lightweight vacuums. The “360” part suggests that the robot will follow in the 360 Eye’s rolling brush-steps by carrying a 360-degree vision system. The 360 Eye has a small camera on top and sensors on the sides. 

The robot in the FCC filings looks like it’s built to stay much closer to the ground than the 360 Eye, which should allow the device to fit under low spaces, like under a couch. As noted by The Verge, this device differs from the 360 Eye and the more recently launched 360 Heurist, which are both taller and slimmer in order to navigate around tight corners and furniture. Pictures submitted also show a light ring, which could help the robot clean up at night. 

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