> I don't think there's anything in a Roomba that did not exist in the 1980's other than far greater computing power at a very low cost. High energy density b

> I don't think there's anything in a Roomba that did not exist in the 1980's other than far greater computing power at a very low cost. High energy density batteries as well. My off-brand Roomba clone uses 4 18650 lipo cells @40-50g each, a total of ~40WHr for under 200g. That 40WHr would need about 1kg of lead acid battery, or maybe 7-800g of NiCad battery.