You can freely build on How the iRobot Roomba Automatically Cleans Floors Without Falling Down Stairs
This patent expired in 2022. Every claim — 0 independent, 1 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
iRobot Corp
Patent granted
2005
Expired
2022
Forward citations
215
What this patent covers
This patent describes an autonomous robot that cleans floors by combining a motive system for movement, a vacuum, and a primary brush assembly. It features a side brush that reaches beyond the robot's main body to pull dirt into the cleaning path. The robot uses a sensor system, specifically a cliff detector, to identify stairs or ledges and prevent itself from falling. When a cliff is detected, the control system automatically adjusts the robot's speed and direction to escape the area and resume cleaning.
What is now free to use
All 1 claims of US 6883201 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 1 dependent claim add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover non-robotic manual vacuum cleaners or push-brooms.
Does not cover cleaning systems that rely on external navigation markers or beacons installed in a room.
Does not cover robots that use cameras or visual mapping (SLAM) to navigate, as this patent focuses on tactile and cliff sensors.
Does not cover robots that utilize liquid-based mopping systems as their primary cleaning mechanism.
Who is building on this today
iRobot remains the primary assignee and continues to iterate on this architecture. However, competitors like Roborock, Ecovacs, and SharkNinja have built upon these foundational concepts, often adding advanced LiDAR and AI-based obstacle avoidance that goes beyond the basic tactile sensors described here.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Original iRobot Roomba models
Roomba 400 series
Early autonomous vacuum cleaners
How to cite this patent in your documentation
iRobot Corp. US Patent 6883201. Autonomous floor-cleaning robot. Granted 2005, expired 2022. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.