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iRobot works on a robotic lawnmower that angers astronomers

iRobot is currently working on a new robotic lawnmower that angers astronomers because it could disturb them in the detection of new stars.

iRobot is therefore working on an automatic lawn mower, according to certain documents from the FCC. The project, which is still in its infancy, uses low-power radio beacons to mark the corners of your garden. This especially prevents your automatic lawn mower from ending up at your neighbor's house.

iRobot
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Unlike other automatic systems, which use wires or barriers to keep robots on your property, beacons transmit in the 6240-6740 MHz range. However, according to the National Astronomical Radio Observatory (NRAO), these frequencies are used to locate methanol in space. Its presence indicates that a new star is born. The FCC even states that “all possible measures must be taken to protect the radio astronomy service from harmful interference. "

iRobot explains: "Using the iRobotRLM will increase safety. It is estimated that 1,517 fatal accidents occurred with lawn mowers during the years 1997 to 2010. It is reasonable to assume that many of these injuries and deaths would not have occurred if consumers had used a robotic lawnmower. (…) The poweredRLM battery will reduce emissions, fuel spills, fires and other such accidents ”

The NRAO disputes and seems to be giving a hard time to Colin Angle, founder of iRobot. Will the iRobot RLM robot mower be modified? To be continued… In the meantime, here is the document filed by iRobot with the FCC.