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The first electric robot pool cleaner was invented by Robert B. Myers.
A dated step forward on the record
What the source says
“The first robotic pool cleaner that used electricity was invented by Robert B. Myers in 1967.”
What it means
Pool-cleaning robots, from Maytronics (Dolphin), Aiper, Beatbot, Wybotics, is at stage 5 of 5 on our ladder: regulator-cleared or mass market. Its stage is set by other milestones on its record; this one adds to the history.
Human help: Our sources report it working without human help.
More on Pool-cleaning robots
- Wybotics recalled about 5,000 Osprey 700 Max and S1 pool robots in the US because the battery could overheat. There were ten reports of overheating or fire, and no injuries.
- IDC said 2.75 million in-ground pool robots shipped worldwide in 2025, and 55% of them were cordless.
- IDC said Chinese makers are using cordless batteries and AI-based navigation to compete with long-established pool robot brands.
- Aiper recalled about 32,660 Seagull Pro cordless pool robots in the US because the charging adapter could overheat. There were 19 reports of them melting, smoking or catching fire while charging, and no injuries.
- Aiper recalled about 22,000 Elite Pro cordless pool robots in the US because the battery could overheat and short circuit. There were 17 reports of overheating and one minor burn to a fingertip.
- Cordless, battery-powered pool robots were sold in major US chains. One model, Aiper's Seagull Pro, sold at Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's and Walmart from March 2023 to May 2024 for $700 to $900.