iRobot vacuums up cash to help the blind

IT REALLY is amazing what robots can do in the modern world. The iRobot that the firm THrobotics imports from the US not only clean your home – they raise money for charity!

At least that was the intent of an event called “Will You Survive in My World?” that THrobotics hosted recently in the Siam Paragon Fashion Hall. Managing director ML Ploynapat Leenutaphong pointed out that it was also the firm’s third birthday, and for the occasion, they’d had blind children paint some of the little machine models.

“The people who make the iRobot understand that, being a part of society, we should give back to the community,” he said. “This event was inspired by our customers who are blind and find that iRobot can help them tremendously. The kids who painted these iRobots weren’t blind at birth, so they can paint from memory.”

All proceeds from the event – Bt525,000 – went to the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, which enjoys Her Majesty the Queen’s patronage.

Various types of iRobot were on display and the 30 Roomba 620 the youngsters had painted were all sold at Bt17,500 apiece. 

At a touch of a button, the battery-operated robot starts motoring around the room – up to 100 square metres – inhaling dust, lint, hair, animal fur and any other daily debris from carpet, tiling, marbles or hardwood. It’s small enough to travel under the bed and get behind furniture, while sensors keep it from tumbling down stairs or the step to a lower level. 

When it reckons its mission is accomplished, iRobot automatically returns to its charging dock to power up for the next session.

The robot’s gift to the blind was highlighted in a video featuring actors Warintorn “Great” Phanhakarn and Khemanit “Pancake” Jamikorn, who were both present in person as well. 

Also contributing to the production were MR Chularangsri Yugala, MR Chantaraladda Yugala Uboldejpracharak, ML Auradis Snidvongs, ML Nathasit Diskul, ML Somrada Jumbala, ML Rangsi-arpa Bhanubandh, Apichaya Krairiksh, Kraiserm and Pavita Tothabthieng, Pita Limjaroenrat, Napamanee Krairiksh, Kamolsut Dabbaransi, Songkran and Taksaorn Taechanarong, Thamrong and Gritiya Mahadumrongkul, Ratt Maneeratana, Atchara Burarak, Kornkanok Yongsakul, Salisar Eiammanoch, Nuchanat Raveesangsoon, Aurada Svasti na Ayudhya, Duangkaew Bhakdibhumi, Sombatsara Teerasaroch, Yanin Viravaidya, Jaruwan Chivakasemsuk, Pauline Lamsam, Intira Thanavisuth, Dr Chettha Songthaveepol, Jittima Wattanasin, Pitinun Kisadatanont, Uttsada Panichkul, Kanklao Duaysienklao, Piyawat Kempetch and Jitpanu Klomkaew.

“I am very happy to be part of this special event,” Great declared. “I couldn’t begin to guess what the kids might draw, but I’m delighted seeing the painting because they’re all about love and living in harmony, which really shows that these kids have good hearts.”

Pancake dubbed iRobot “a genius cleaning robot”. “It tidies up the house so that I can enjoy doing something else!”

If you already own an iRobot, you can trade it in for a new model at a 25-per-cent discount at the showroom on Soi Thonglor anytime this month. Call (02) 714 7799 or visit to www.THrobotics.com.