Electrolux Trilobite - automatic vacuum cleaner







	You are here: Trilobite > Learn how

The Trilobite is the world’s only series-manufactured, automatic vacuum cleaner. The first prototype was presented to the public in 1997 on the BBC TV program “Tomorrow’s World.” The Trilobite has extensive research and development behind it.

The Trilobite is a totally new product compared to the prototype that was presented in 1997. The product that soon will be available in shops has a charging station where the vacuum cleaner docks by itself, three cleaning programs (normal, quick, and spot vacuuming), a reusable dust box (no dust bags are needed), flexible

drive wheel suspension and an LCD display. The Trilobite now also has improved sonar for navigation (more microphones and enhanced frequency), which improves its “sight”, a new fan system and high-performance, environmentally friendly batteries (nickel-metal hydride). The actual vacuum cleaner system has also been improved in several ways, resulting in reduced noise levels and other benefits.

Ultrasound navigation

The vacuum cleaner navigates using ultrasound – just like a bat. The sonar that emits the ultrasound vibrates at a rate of 60,000 Hz and is coated with a thin gold plate for best performance. The Trilobite has no problem avoiding collision with things placed on the floor – for example the dog’s water bowl. Special magnetic strips can be placed in doorways and other openings. These act as a wall, keeping the Trilobite in the room. The machine contains sophisticated electronics and four motors – one for each driven wheel, one for the brush and one for the vacuum.

Automatic Stair Sensor

The new version of Trilobite contains a built-in infrared stair sensor helping it avoid falling down stairs without the need for magnetic strips or “virtual walls.”

Finds its own charger

The Trilobite can find its own way back to the charger. On a full charge, the machine can clean for 60 minutes. If the cleaning hasn’t been completed when the vacuum cleaner needs to be charged, the Trilobite continues cleaning when charging is finished, after about two hours. Once cleaning is completed, the machine returns to its charging station and recharges automatically.

Three cleaning programs

The Trilobite has three cleaning programs – normal, quick and spot. One charge is sufficient for one hour’s cleaning.

Normal: The machine cleans first along the walls and then all open areas. When it scans the wall, the Trilobite creates a picture of the room. The wall phase then forms the basis for calculation of the time required for independent cleaning.

Quick: Skips the wall phase and carries out independent cleaning directly.

Spot: Cleans an area of approx. 10 sq feet twice.

The original Trilobite

The trilobite was a type of arthropod that vacuumed the ocean beds for small animals and particles about 250-560 million years ago. Its back was hard, and the trilobite is perhaps the best known of the fossils seen in walls, steps and flooring made of stone. This animal has lent its name and its shape to the new Trilobite vacuum cleaner.

To get more information about the Trilobite, please fill out the form on this page