Robot Reviews

Neato has just announced the release of their newest model - the Neato XV-21 with a new bristled brush and an improved dust filter.

The main improvements are a new filter which is much stronger and more durable than the standard filter, allowing for greater suction and improved airflow which the company claims allows the Neato to pick up three times as many dust particles as the standard filter.  It also comes with a new bristled brush which is better at picking up pet hair and allows the Neato to run even quieter on hardwood floors.  The new brush and filter will also be available to purchase separately for only $29.99 for Neato XV-11 owners, so there is no need for existing owners to upgrade, unless you really can't live without the funky new color scheme of the Neato XV-21 that is.

Neato Robotics

Topic is currently being discussed in the following thread:

Neato XV-21 Dissection and Discussion

Press Release:

NEATO ROBOTICS LAUNCHES PET AND ALLERGY VACUUM CLEANER

Latest Neato XV-21 automatic vacuum cleaner features improved ability
to pick up pet hair and dirt and reduce allergens on all floor types
for cleaner, healthier homes

Newark, Calif., March 12, 2012 - Neato Robotics®, a Silicon Valley
company that pioneers new technologies and products to free people
from household chores, today announced a new automatic vacuum cleaner
that's designed especially for pet owners and allergy sufferers. The
Neato XV-21, which works on all floor types, includes a new bristled
brush to improve the pick-up of pet hair, dander and fibers and allows
the vacuum cleaner to run more quietly than previous models,
especially on hardwood floors. A new filter, which is cleanable and
designed for long-term use, provides increased airflow and suction
power that allows the Neato XV-21 to pick up and retain more than
three times the fine dust particles of the company's standard filter.
The new brush and filter will work with all other existing Neato
Robotics models on the market today, making it easy for current owners
to upgrade their automatic vacuum cleaners.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends vacuuming
frequently and reducing the amount of pet dander, fur and feathers in
the home as two simple steps to help prevent allergy outbreaks. A 2011
study by Quest Diagnostics found that allergies are on the rise in the
U.S. with one in five Americans now being affected. Allergies to dust
mites, pet dander, ragweed and other allergens now account for more
than 17 million visits to the doctor per year, according to the
report.

With the Neato XV-21's ability to automatically clean homes on its own
with no human assistance, allergy sufferers can avoid allergens in the
air caused by cleaning that can sometimes trigger reactions. Customers
can easily set an automatic cleaning schedule for the Neato XV-21 to
clean every day, keeping homes neat and healthy and carpets
well-groomed. It vacuums close to walls and corners, avoids bumping
into furniture and returns automatically to its base to re-charge
itself.

"Our customers have increasingly asked us for a better way to pick up
even more pet hair, dander and fine dust in their homes," says Warren
Flick, CEO of Neato Robotics, Inc. "The Neato XV-21 delivers on that
market need with a combination of increased suction power and airflow
and more than three times the fine dust pick-up of our standard
filters. We continue to focus on delivering new, innovative products
that save customers time and keep homes neat, clean and healthy.

The Neato XV-21 is available in Misty White with purple highlights and
is designed to automatically and intelligently clean homes on a daily
basis, ensuring clean floors and more free time for its owners. Using
smart path planning and a methodical back-and-forth cleaning pattern,
it thoroughly cleans all types of floors and creates that neat, "just
cleaned" look on carpets.

Availability and Pricing

The Neato XV-21 will be available for purchase for $429 M.S.R.P. at
the end of April through the Neato Robotics website and an expanding
list of retail partners. The new pet and allergy filter ($29.99
M.S.R.P.) and Pet and Allergy Upgrade Kit that includes the new
bristled brush ($59.99 M.S.R.P.) will work with all other existing
Neato Robotics automatic vacuum cleaners and simply requires customers
to download a free version of the 2.6 firmware upgrade using the USB port on the back of unit.