LogInIt even has a spoiler!
I'm usually not the one to appreciate fast cars, but when I saw a vacuum cleaner on a race track, I couldn't help but be curious and I hope you will be, too. Meet Vroomba – a robot vacuum that could potentially compete with cars in a real race, modified by Alister Laidlaw, who calls it the world's fastest Roomba.
Laidlaw worked his magic on iRobot Roomba 630, adding some 3D-printed details and even a spoiler for greater aerodynamics. Vroomba is a radio-controlled vehicle at this point and can reach a speed of 57km/h (35mph).
Image credit: electrosync
The CAD design for the device was done in Fusion 360, and the parts were printed on a Bambu Lab X1-Carbon 3D printer. The creator had to strengthen some parts to make the vacuum more durable, but (spoiler alert!) it still isn't as tough as a real car.
"Inspired by supercar designs, I CAD designed some very over the top aero in Fusion 360. This included a front splitter, wing, belly pan and rear diffuser. I 3D printed it all using the same PAHT-CF filament. And that all bolted onto Roomba using 3 mm fasteners. Lastly, I added a new DumboRC radio that came with a receiver with a built-in gyro that could help me keep it in a straight line. This radio has tank mode which works with differential steering, when I tested the gyro, I found that it doesn’t work with tank mode as it can only control one channel."
The latest version of the build couldn't beat Vroomba's previous record, but it's much more sturdy now, so I expect to see more fun experiments from Laidlaw on his electrosync YouTube channel.
If you're also interested in seeing this beast racing into the sunset, support the creator on Patreon, learn more about the device here, and join our 80 Level Talent platform and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.