MODEL RELEASED. Robot vacuum cleaner. Prototype domestic robot vacuuming a rug in the room of a private house as its owner sits watching television in front of a fire. The robot travels randomly around the room, avoiding obstacles using its infrared sensors. If it finds dust it moves back and forth over the area until it has been removed. When its batteries become low, the robot moves to its charger on the wall to recharge itself and empty the dust it has collected. This robot was built by the German company Karcher. Photographed in London, England, in 1999.