ENGINEERS at Dyson’s Malmesbury research and development base have today unveiled a robotic vacuum cleaner that can see where it is going and be programmed using a smartphone.

The Dyson 360 Eye is the result of 16 years and £28m-worth of intensive work by a team of more than 200.

Featuring continuous tank tracks, 360-degree vision, infrared sensors and a new app for iOS and Android phones, the machine also uses a digital motor and cyclone technology.

Founder James Dyson said: “Most robotic vacuum cleaners don’t see their environment, have little suction, and don’t clean properly. They are gimmicks.

“We’ve been developing a unique 360° vision system that lets our robot see where it is, where it has been, and where it is yet to clean. Vision, combined with our high speed digital motor and cyclone technology, is the key to achieving a high performing robot vacuum – a genuine labour saving device.”

The machine was launched today at a ceremony in Tokyo.