A newly published book includes a chapter about installing Linux on iRobot's “Roomba” robotic vacuum cleaner. Hacking Roomba, by Tod E. Kurt, includes a variety of fun robotic hacks and projects, none of which will void the device's warranty or prevent its operation as a vacuum, according to the… publisher.

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iRobot makes large Linux robots for the military markets, as well as a number of simple household robots, such as the Roomba vaccuum and Scuba mopping robots.

iRobot's household robots are based on a simple proprietary RTOS, albeit one with an open “ROI” (robotic operating interface) API. Hacking Roomba describes a variety of fun projects that exploit the ROI API in order to get the robots to do various tricks.

One project involves piggybacking a Linux-based LinkSys wireless router, and using it to wirelessly control the robot. Another appears to involve actually installing Linux on the device itself.

Projects listed by the publisher include:

• Build a serial interface tether
• Set up a Bluetooth interface
• Drive Roomba
• Play with sensors
• Make it sing
• Create a Roomba painter
• Use your Roomba as a mouse
• Connect Roomba to the Net
• WiFi your Roomba
• Replace Roomba's brain
• Build the RoombaRoach
• Install Roomba-cam
• Put Linux on Roomba

Availability

The 436-page book can be ordered online from Amazon, Powell's, and Barnes and Noble, for $20 or less. Additional information about the book is available at its companion website, here.

 
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