A few weeks ago, I talked about iRobot (IRBT) and tipped you off about their new Looj gutter-cleaning robot. Well recently, the Looj was finally released, and while the $149 device drew snickers from many, I know they'll sell at least one to me. In a moment of weakness, I recently bought a former B&B built in 1912 that has so many additions and gutters that it would be hard to see them, if it wasn't for all the leaves in them from the heritage oaks surrounding the place. I can't wait to turn my new Looj loose on it.

The other robot that they introduced was also very cool. The ConnectR Virtual Visiting Robot doesn't do a specific job; it is a communications robot that can run around your home providing two-way audio and one-way video. According to iRobot, it uses the internet and robot technology to let you "talk and interact with your loved ones, friends and pets -- when you can't be there in person." Think of it as a way to be in two places at once.

I'm sure Jay Leno will think of numerous situations where an unexpected visit from the robot could be interesting. I also expect the hacker/tinker community to embrace the ConnectR and come up with many nifty uses for it. In any case, the robots were released just in time for the fast-approaching holiday season. Who could resist?