iRobot has taken a major step in encouraging the development of <A HREF="http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,2110860,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03119TX1K0000594">autonomous household robots</A> with its Create device.
The Create includes the chassis and brains of an iRobot Roomba, along with an interface device that allows it to communicate with the outside world. The vacuum cleaner parts have been removed to make room for other devices.