Episode 24: Robotic Vacuum Cleaners and Christmas Chaos
The company is thoroughly impressed with the PFY's upgraded robotic vacuum cleaners. While some long-time staff members remain traumatized—mentally and physically—by robotic devices, overall, the building has warmed up to them, especially during the holiday shopping season.
Christmas and The Package Overflow
As Christmas draws near, everyone’s thoughts turn to online shopping—and the dreaded risk of packages being stolen if left unattended. This influx has overwhelmed the Inward Goods department, stacking deliveries high. To combat this, the PFY introduces enhanced robotic vacuums equipped with improved hardware and software features.
The Enhanced Vacuum Features
The upgrades include:
- Hardware Improvements:
- Larger batteries for longer operation
- Increased motor torque and enhanced running gear
- LIDAR and dual infrared modules for navigation and obstacle detection
- Software Enhancements:
- Barcode scanning for delivery identification
- Multi-level mapping
- Collision avoidance
- Infrared interfacing to store lift receivers
With these modifications, parcels are swiftly sorted and delivered to the correct owners via a hopper on the vacuum’s base station. An unintended bonus is the slight improvement in corridor cleanliness.
Increasing Popularity and Future Upgrades
Due to their success, satisfaction ratings in the department improve significantly, prompting the Boss to approve three more units. Suggested future upgrades include:
- Door access via proximity modules
- Parcel ejection levers
- Cameras to capture proof of delivery
Challenges and Teething Issues
While effective, these devices have some flaws. The higher torque motors can open doors but require ballast—meaning a larger, heavier battery was needed. There were concerns from office staff—particularly the colored pencils office—about privacy issues when the robot took unsolicited photos, prompting requests for deletion.
Despite these hiccups, the units swiftly reduce package backlog within days.
The Boss’s Curiosity and Old Units
The Boss visits Mission Control and questions whether these vacuum robots are a success. Both the PFY and I agree they are—until he raises concerns about overstocking.
He asks about two original units without additional features, which the PFY tests. He demonstrates a "Foot Avoidance Mode," where the robot refuses to be stepped on, thanks to advanced sensing and mapping. It appears that these older units are somewhat obsolete but still functional.
Troubleshooting the Old Units
The Boss hands over a unit that’s malfunctioning—banging into walls instead of vacuuming. The PFY explains it’s likely stuck in mapping mode, especially as it reaches stairs. Adjustments are made through firmware flashes, improving the navigation algorithms.
A subsequent update causes the robot to identify multiple rooms—living room, kitchen, bedroom, ensuite, laundry, and even a cat litter tray—and transitions into various modes, including high torque, speed, and “Smeared Mode” when it encounters the litter tray.
Cat Litter and Unexpected Mishaps
An incident occurs where the robot knocks over the litter tray, smearing cat litter around the master bedroom. The PFY considers remotely flashing firmware to avoid such issues. The following night, the robot terrorizes the cat, trying to reach the litter tray, leading to another messy situation.
Firmware Patches and the Robot's Mischief
A final firmware patch puts the robot into “Random Wall Bashing Mode” and includes specialized modes like foot prediction, high torque, and high-speed cleaning—effectively giving it a mischievous personality.
The Boss’s Absence and Final Commentary
While the Boss is out—having fallen down his stairs—the PFY and I joke about showing a hilarious night vision video. Meanwhile, the current state of the robotic cleaners highlights their ongoing issues, from stubborn navigation to unexpected antics.
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