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October 2nd, 2007
A recent Georgia Tech study shows that some Roomba owners seem to become deeply attached to their robots. “They give them nicknames, worry when they signal for help and sometimes even treat them like a trusted pet.” Out of 30 committed Roomba users studied, 21 of them gave their robots names, and 16 referred to their robot as a “he.”
I totally fall into both of those categories. I have named them both, and I do refer to them as boys. I talk to them while they work, giving them words of encouragement and congratulating them on a job well done. I scold them when they knock something over or eat a cord, though quickly take it back and transfer the blame (usually to Jared). If I see a dust bunny in Roombie’s path and he manages to get it on the first try, I give him a cheer.
Each time a new version comes out, I am tempted to get it, but I feel guilty about the ones I already own. I don’t want to discard them or make them feel unloved.
My all-time favorite is when Roombie runs right into Clancy. That gets me every time. She’s too dumb to move.
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It’s not that Clan’s that dumb ; she just thinks it’s the waiter.
Comment by meowkul • October 3, 2007 @ 4:33 pm
Ours was “Roomie” until he went away to a new family… I hope he’s in a happier place with more dust bunnies and owners that remember to play with him often. (I, on the other hand, have gone over to the Dyson side. Muahahhaa…)
Comment by kim • October 4, 2007 @ 1:24 pm