Roomba obeys MacBook tilt sensor commands

If there ever was a hack that could be assured of a mention on Engadget, it would be this: the MacBook tilt-sensor controlled Roomba. Once again utilizing the accelerometer inside each and every MacBook, the guys over at Hacking Roomba managed to get a Bluetooth-enabled Roomba to listen to the Mac's tilting orders. Practicality isn't the aim here -- lets face it, the Roomba will willingly clean a floor on its own. Instead, it's a mix of ingenuity and "because we can" mentality that draws us to these sorts of projects. That and the possibilty of freaking out the Engadget HQ house cat, of course.

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[Matthew Rasmussen @ Dec 10th 2006 6:40PM]

This would also be possible using the Wii Remote, since Bluetooth drivers are out for that. I think OSX drivers have been developed, and I know Windows ones are out, so that would be another interesting project.

[Ethan @ Dec 10th 2006 6:41PM]

It's great that we've finally figured out a purpose for those overpriced MBP's.

[Dave Pevsner @ Dec 10th 2006 6:42PM]

now all we need is a way to remotely activate every roomba and scooba we own in all of our houses and offices just by pressing a button on the NeurosOSD's remote or java-enabled mobile phone, and the idea of getting up to vacuum or mop will fall by the wayside.

[jeff @ Dec 10th 2006 6:47PM]

pretty cool but once the point?

[Billy Bob @ Dec 10th 2006 6:49PM]

thats a macbook PRO, not a macbook
notice how its aluminum and not plastic

[Billy Bob @ Dec 10th 2006 6:49PM]

thats a macbook PRO, not a macbook
notice how its aluminum and not plastic

[chris @ Dec 10th 2006 7:16PM]

omg its the end of the world!!! engadget didn't say macbook pro in the title! i am going to die!

macbook more commonly refers to both the pro and the base models.

it doesn't really matter if its a mb or mbp since they both have the accelerometers anyway.

[Sam @ Dec 10th 2006 7:55PM]

Are still people stupid enough to call the Macbook Pro over-priced? Wow, ok, why don't you actually do so research before posting BS like that?

[dave @ Dec 10th 2006 7:55PM]

Now someone make a Wii controller move the roomba.

[John P. @ Dec 10th 2006 7:56PM]

Ohhh, how about if someone programs a MacBook Pro to control a Wii using the MacBook Pro's iSight and tilt sensors... it would be the most expensive Wii remote...

[barrywoods @ Dec 10th 2006 9:04PM]

Yea, but you thought the wii remote did damage! Some moron would end up throwing their macbook accross the room and killing the dog or something.

[jbulava @ Dec 10th 2006 11:07PM]

Screw the wiimote...instead write a perl script to play Wii games by tilting the MacBook! Oh, and don't forget to make a steering wheel accessory for it.

[Victor Cornelius @ Dec 10th 2006 11:19PM]

what is the purpose of the tilt sensor in the mac book?

[farukates @ Dec 11th 2006 3:53AM]

Purpose of the tilt sensor: Hard drive protection � it'll stop and park the heads to prevent them from damaging your drive when your MacBook (Pro) falls / is dropped.

That's the purpose. The utility is of course "anything you can come up with, no matter how crazy it is". Insert links to the various SmackBook, MacSaber and other fun applications for it.

[dan @ Dec 10th 2006 11:32PM]

So what does the hard disk tilt sensor in the MBP have to do with
running a vacuum cleaner? Do you have to shake the MBP
and then it stops the roomba? Your articls didn't say what
this is used for.

And what does this hack do that will freak out your cat?
Using the roomba to exercise a housecat is a good idea.
Does it do that?

dan

[dan @ Dec 10th 2006 11:42PM]

OK, I googled and found the Hacking Roomba site
(no link in your story). Now I get it, kinda.

Never Mind,
dan

[Keaton @ Dec 11th 2006 12:02AM]

Muahahahah...

This is the best!
I love the "cause I can" factor involved...
Props to the dude that figured this one out...
Turning a $2000 MacBook Pro into a very expensive, yet very simple remote... I wish I thought this one up... Talk about a diss on all products Apple...
I might go buy myself a MacBook just so I can control my Roomba!
LMAO!

[slowerpig81 @ Dec 11th 2006 5:37PM]

i know that most (all?) thinkpads have accelerometers in them too, so you might be able to to it on a PC. BUt yeah, controlling your vacuum w/ a wiimote would be awesome. Just think, you could put a paintball gun and camera on that thing, and schwiiing... you have a war bot thats low and easy to control!

[Samantha @ Jan 26th 2007 12:01PM]

Nice hack! The roomba is awesome. I just got the remote that come with it, so don't think I'll attempt this hack anytime soon. irobot just came out with little irobot made for people to hack. I bet people going to come up with some fun uses for em. No hack necessary for me, it's replaced my vacuum.

[lcchoops @ May 4th 2008 12:59PM]

bluetooth can do anything