New limited edition VR7000 boasts all the innovative technology of Samsung’s robot vacuum POWERbot with new features and a look designed to appeal to Star Wars fans around the world.

October 10, 2017 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced a new Star Wars limited edition of the widely acclaimed POWERbot robot vacuum cleaner, the VR7000. The result of a collaboration between Samsung and Star Wars fans, the innovative and powerful vacuum with iconic Darth Vader and Stormtrooper designs is intended to captivate fans in anticipation of the December release of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” the penultimate film in the Disney and Lucas Films saga.

The Darth Vader version of the POWERbot features a specially created cover using custom premium materials that resembles Darth Vader’s all-black mask while the Stormtrooper version replicates the look of a white and black Stormtrooper’s helmet. The Darth Vader model comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and its own remote control. Both models also offer fun and unique sound effects appropriate for each character. For example, when powering on the Darth Vader unit, the vacuum will play and mimic the character’s infamous breathing.

In order to create a special edition product authentic and true in the eyes of Star Wars fans, Samsung worked very closely with super fans at every step, from product planning to design, production, marketing, and distribution. It was a first-of-its-kind approach to building and launching a product designed by the fans and built for the fans.

“We are very pleased to be part of the excitement leading up to the release of the Last Jedi and to be launching our limited edition POWERbot in partnership with Star Wars fans,” said B.S. Suh, Executive Vice President of the Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “From its incredible suction power, slim design, and smart features, to the wonderful character-themed voice feedback and sound effects, we are confident the Star Wars limited edition of the VR7000 will be a big hit.”

The VR7000 Star Wars limited edition promises all of the powerful cleaning technology and features of the original VR7000, such as suction power capacity of 10 watts, CycloneForce technology, and Edge Clean Master, which helps the unit clean close to walls and edges. It can even work autonomously, using Visionary Mapping Plus to remember the room and find the fastest cleaning routes around the user’s home. FullView Sensor 2.0 allows the unit to clean around home decorations and valuable personal items as small as 10mm. With its unique smart features and powerful performance, the VR7000 was awarded the 2017 CES Innovation Award.

UK availability will be announced in due course. Samsung will also be introducing “Vacuum Your Space” – a video created by Star Wars super fans, partnering with creative network Tongal. Other various fan-centric activations and rewards with retail and commerce partners will continue rolling out.

Getting Smart around the Home

One of Samsung’s major smart products is the Family Hub 2.0 refrigerator, which launched earlier this year. It uses voice recognition to provide an intuitive way for users to not just connect with their kitchen, but also the world around them. Say, “Can you purchase cheese?” and the refrigerator asks you, “Which product? Please tell me the number.” as it shows an app screen that lets you order food directly from the screen. You can play music or find out what the weather is like as you communicate with the smart refrigerator. It even gives you ideas if you need recipe inspiration.

Next, there is QuickDrive, an intelligent washing machine that was showcased during IFA 2017. It includes an AI-powered laundry assistant called Q-rator, which suggests the best cycle for your laundry based on information you input. Tell it what type of garments you want to wash, how dirty they are and what color they are and it will do the rest. It also lets you set the time for when the loads will be done, meaning your washing will be ready at a time that’s convenient for you. Plus, the system monitors the machine remotely and alerts you if it’s having any issues.

Last but not least, there is POWERbot, Samsung’s smart robot vacuum cleaner that received a 2017 CES Innovation Award. It uses a full suite of sensors to map your space, remember where it’s cleaned, and detect and work around any obstacles in its way, while automatically adjusting its suction power on different surfaces.

Samsung, the Leading Player in the Smart Appliances Era 

The Family Hub sits at the core, serving as the nerve center of a broader connected ecosystem in the home. Each connected home appliance can be configured to reflect the unique preferences for every household. It is a true smart evolution that brings a meaningful experience to users. What’s more, Samsung’s hardware analyzes user information more effectively than ever, and that is what makes Samsung a company with true innovative competitiveness.

The company recently announced its plan to apply Samsung Connect to its various home appliances at IFA 2017. Samsung Connect is a connectivity platform capable of connecting and controlling IoT devices regardless of their operating system. When the smart functions of Samsung’s home appliances are connected through Samsung Connect, users will be able to enjoy a smart lifestyle.

As more and more intelligence is interwoven into new products and technology, Samsung Smart appliances will evolve IoT and deep learning technology, creating a great deal of synergy. It won’t be long until home appliance products use their IQ to provide users more convenience and more time to do the things they enjoy.