A dose of virtual reality turns duty into a game

TOKYO >> Using augmented reality, a new Hitachi vacuum cleaner lets users feel as if they are playing a game rather than cleaning.

Hitachi Global Life Solutions Inc., a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., plans to launch a cordless upright vacuum cleaner this month.

The company decided to develop the device after almost 60% of respondents to a survey conducted by the company said that cleaning is stressful for them. The new vacuum cleaner is intended to allow people to have fun and feel satisfied after cleaning.

After downloading the app and planning the room to be cleaned, users connect their smartphone to the vacuum cleaner. When the area is finished cleaning, the corresponding section on the map displayed on the smartphone will be colored.

The app will also display a score reflecting the size of the area cleaned, and users will be rewarded with a high score when the entire room is thoroughly cleaned. Users will receive a bonus when dust is vacuumed in a place where the dust symbol appears on the map.

The vacuum cleaner also suggests to users what movement speed is most effective when cleaning a designated area.

The device is the latest model in Hitachi Global Life Solutions’ Power Boost Cyclone series. It is priced at around 88,000 yen (about $610).