MIGO Robotics recently presented ASCender – The Ascender Stair Climbing Robot Vacuum, which has the unique ability to climb stairs. The device has garnered significant interest from users worldwide, and the Kickstarter project has already raised almost $2 million in support of its development.
ASCender distinguishes itself from traditional vacuum cleaners with its ability to efficiently navigate multi-story spaces. Upon initial use, the device creates a detailed map of its environment, optimizing its cleaning sequence for maximum efficiency.
Equipped with advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance technologies, ASCender features an HD camera, Lidar module, and six TOF sensors for depth measurement. These components send data to a powerful AI processor with a capacity of 5 teraflops, ensuring high-speed calculations and precise operation.
ASCender can differentiate between different surfaces for cleaning and automatically switch between vacuuming and mopping modes, adjusting mop height for wet cleaning as needed. With a compact height of 98mm, the robot can easily maneuver under furniture and eliminate dead zones during wet cleaning along skirting boards.
The robot is capable of generating up to 9700 pascals of suction power and 17 newtons of pressure for floor washing. It includes built-in compartments for collecting debris and used water, which are automatically cleaned when the device returns to its self-cleaning station, reducing the need for user maintenance.
One of ASCender’s standout features is its ability to conquer stairs. The robot can detect steps and adapt its design for ascending or descending by deploying robotic legs from its casing, making it ideal for multi-story buildings and office spaces.
In addition to climbing stairs, ASCender can also clean them using four omnidirectional wheels for movement and a 90-degree rotating turbo engine. On a single battery charge, the robot can clean up to 500 square meters of space before automatically returning to its station for recharging.
Controlled through a mobile app available on iOS and Android, users can schedule cleanings, restrict access to specific areas, and even remotely control ASCender using a virtual joystick and home observation camera. Watch the video below for a demonstration of ASCender’s capabilities: