Though we haven’t gotten our flying cars or cyborg super-strength arms yet, the future has kind of arrived in the form of robot cleaning machines. The Jetsons this isn’t, but at least it’s quiet, right?
One of our distinguished reporters over on the Japanese side of RocketNews24 happened to pick up the “Hom-bot Square” and wrote the following review. Now you’ll know what to put in your home so you can more like us! (A worthy ambition indeed.)
When you think about vacuum robots, you usually imagine that they’re pretty sloppy, right? That’s how it was in the past anyway. But recently, I bought one myself, thinking “Hey! This is so cool and futuristic!” But actually it’s quite impressive, and I’ve decided to share its awesomeness with you, dear readers. I hope you’ll enjoy this rare glimpse into my mind.
▼Hom-Bot Square doesn’t even flinch at rugs.
・Vuiiiiiii goes the vacuum robot
The vacuum robot I got was the LG “Hom-Bot Square.” But at home, I just call it “this” or “that.” Though the corners are rounded, the basic shape is almost as square. There are long brushes on the front corners that stick out quite a way. It moves around with a “vuiii” sound and runs on electricity.
・Review point one: It ain’t no slacker!
I’ve long been torn about buying a vacuum robot, but I finally decided to go down to a few electronics stores. I just wanted to actually see some in action and was kind of looking forward to comparing them. I got to have fun trying out different vacuum robots, but a lot of them couldn’t get dirt in corners. It was just left sitting there because the brushes wouldn’t reach.
I bought the Hom-Bot Square without really listening to the store staff, so I figured this one wouldn’t really be able to reach that hard to get dirt either. But it did! No slacking for this little worker. I guess because it has corners and the brushes are long enough to really get in there. I’m so glad I didn’t end up with a waste of money forcing me to do some cleaning myself. (Two thumbs up for no cleaning!)
▼Silly Hom-Bot Square thinks it’s a dirt-hunting drone. Wait a minute…
・Review Point 3: It ain’t noisy!
If you live in a place with thick wall, then, sure, it’s not a problem. But if not, and especially if you’re a night owl like me, then the noise from a vaccuum is gonna trouble the neighbors. I mean, if I can hear noise from upstairs or from my neighbors, then I would assume they could hear the noise I’m making, right? Even so, the Hom-Bot Square isn’t noisy at all, so I (well, it) can clean without troubling anyone! Perfect.
▼”Vuiiiii,” says the Hom-Bot Square.
・Review Point 3: No banging into stuff
I’m repeating myself, but I went to some different electronics stores, right? And tested out tested out a bunch of vacuum robots, right? You know, to be honest, I kind of expected them to all be bumping into each other like a demolition derby. That’s kind of a big problem though at home. No matter how lightly they hit a wall, white walls end up with marks on them. And then when you move, the deposit you get back from your landlord ends up being tiny.
And, of course, marking up your own house is just as awful. It’s something you paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for after all! But not this guy. He hardly ever even touches walls. It seems like it really understands what it’s not supposed to touch. It acts like it would get a rash if it touched the wall. (LOL) Just like how people avoid touching varnish. It’s so smart!
▼And back for a charge at the end of a hard day. Otsukare!
・This is a high level vacuum bot
The “Hom-Bot Square” is, without a doubt, one that I can recommend out of a number of other bots. It’s amazing how they’ve solved all the things that used to annoy people about vacuum robots up to now. If you’re interested, you can check it out here.
Here’s LG’s commercial for the surprisingly adorable device.
[ Read in Japanese ]






Premium Cocorobo will clean your floor, wake you up, and probably creep out your friends
Talking Attack on Titan anime character robot vacuum promises to clean your “shitty” room
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Happy 40th birthday, Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A!
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Why is Yoshinoya called Yoshinoya?
We eat 13 of the most highly recommended sushi items at Sushiro and pick the best of the best
Starbucks Japan releases new Stanley bottles and exclusive drinkware at Reserve Roastery Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says