How the iRobot Looj Operates

Cleaning gutters is a well-known chore for homeowners, but it also poses significant health risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that over 164,000 ladder-related injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms annually, with 17,124 of these being head injuries in 2007. [Source: Department of Health and Human Services.] As gutter cleaning typically requires using a ladder, it's no surprise that innovators continue seeking safer alternatives for this job.

In September 2006, iRobot, the creators of the Roomba robotic vacuum, held an internal competition to come up with new product ideas. Jim Lynch, an electrical engineer at the company, took on the challenge of improving the "dumb, dirty, and dangerous" task of gutter cleaning. [Source: BNet] After experimenting with an electric screwdriver and a toy truck, he created a winning design. This innovation led to the release of the Looj, a remote-controlled robot that efficiently moves through gutters, clearing away debris in its path one year later.

Measuring 2 1/4 inches high and 3 1/4 inches wide (5.72 by 8.26 centimeters), the Looj is compact enough to navigate standard gutters. Its two treads stretch the full length of the robot, helping it maneuver over uneven surfaces. The Looj’s front features a replaceable three-stage auger, which is responsible for clearing leaves from gutters. A removable handle, which doubles as a remote control, allows users to operate the Looj from a distance. The remote control enables direction changes for the auger to prevent leaves from accumulating on your roof. You can also reverse the Looj if it encounters a clog or when it’s time to bring it back to you.

Now that you're familiar with the story, let's dive into how the Looj functions.

Understanding the Mechanics of the iRobot Looj

We know what the Looj does: it clears your gutters of leaves. But how does it manage this? The key player is the auger. An auger is essentially a long screw that helps move things by agitating them — in this case, clumps of leaves. The Looj's auger features flexible flaps that scoop up debris as it rotates and pushes it out of the gutter. Since gutter cleaning is a demanding job, the Looj uses treads instead of wheels. Borrowing from military designs, inventor Jim Lynch adapted treads for greater friction, which makes the Looj less prone to getting stuck. The Looj also operates well in wet conditions, handling up to a foot (0.305 meters) of water without issue.

The auger is powered by a motor that draws its energy from a rechargeable, replaceable battery. The Looj operates on 7.2 volt nickel-cadmium batteries, commonly used in products like exit signs, model airplanes, and power drills. Both the auger motor and the drive motor follow commands from an electronic controller with stored instructions. This controller is located within the Looj's detachable handle, which itself is powered by two AAA batteries.

Once detached, the handle becomes a remote control. Effective from up to 75 feet (about 23 meters), it sends instructions to the main robot via radio frequency to an antenna embedded in the robot's housing. Earlier models featured an external antenna, which, although flexible, was prone to getting caught on gutter straps.

But does the Looj live up to its claims? And what other gutter-cleaning devices are available?

How to Use the Looj

Let’s break down the process of using the Looj. After unboxing and charging it, attach the belt clip and secure the Looj onto the hook to climb the ladder with your hands free. Once you reach the gutter, use the handle to position the Looj with the auger facing the area you wish to clean. Detach the handle from the robot, then use the controls to guide the auger and move the Looj along the gutter. If it gets stuck or if you need to move to a different gutter section, simply reverse the Looj and bring it back. After cleaning all gutters, reattach the handle, remove the Looj from the track, and hang it back on the belt clip for your descent. Finish by spraying away any debris the Looj has collected with a garden hose.

One of the most practical features of the Looj is the belt clip, which comes with all models. It allows you to keep both hands on the ladder as you ascend, ensuring that the Looj can assist in minimizing the risks of gutter cleaning. This feature is crucial for the device’s goal of enhancing safety.

The detachable handle and remote control offer another advantage. When working on a ladder, overextending can cause you to lose your balance, so it’s important to stay steady and keep your footing secure. The remote control lets you operate the Looj from a distance, allowing you to focus on safety without sacrificing control.

However, a common issue with the Looj is that it doesn’t perform well with non-standard gutters. For instance, if the gutter surface is uneven, the Looj may struggle to pass through the rough terrain. In homes with smaller gutters or lower gutter straps, particularly older homes, the Looj can get stuck. Additionally, if your roofline is irregular, you’ll need to make multiple trips up the ladder to reposition the Looj, as it cannot navigate around corners. Essentially, the Looj might not be suitable for everyone, but if you have a straightforward roofline with modern, standard gutters, it could work well for you.

Alternatives to the Looj

The Looj isn’t the only option for those who want to minimize ladder use. Depending on the tools you already own, there might be an alternative on the market that works with your current setup. For example, if you have a wet-dry vacuum cleaner, you can purchase specialized accessory kits for gutter cleaning. A wet-dry vacuum can either blow debris out of the gutter or vacuum it up, offering more flexibility for handling both stubborn clogs and light leaf accumulation. With an extender that hooks onto the edge of the gutter, you can stay safely on the ground for most of the job.

Similar to this, there are two other types of products: gas-powered blower attachments and hose attachments. You can also find gutter-cleaning tools designed for power washers and even regular garden hoses.

However, these extension tools come with a downside — they require you to work mostly blind. If you encounter a tough clog or just want to ensure thorough cleaning, you'll still need a ladder to get a better view. But like the Looj, these tools do minimize the number of ladder climbs required.

As autumn approaches, those with gutters will be thinking about how to keep them clear of leaves. Know what kind of gutters you have, as it will help you find the right tool for the job. And if you end up using a ladder, be sure to take extra precautions.