In an unexpected turn of events, the life of one family has been significantly shaped by a unique fascination with robot vacuums. Sara Biggs’s son, Wyatt, now eight years old, developed this intriguing obsession around five years ago when his younger brother, Sawyer, was introduced into the family. As Wyatt navigated the transition to being a big brother, he found solace and comfort in the family’s Roomba, leading to an unexpected journey that has captivated both his family and a wider online community.
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While many children might cling to stuffed animals or favourite toys for comfort, Wyatt’s choice of companionship was decidedly unconventional. Sara, 40, recalls how one day, while she was preoccupied with caring for Sawyer, Wyatt took a screwdriver and began dismantling the Roomba, curiously examining its inner workings. “He had gutted the entire thing … and he managed to get it all back together. To this day, it still works,” Sara recounted, illustrating Wyatt’s mechanical aptitude even at such a young age.
What began as a simple fascination gradually escalated into a significant collection. Initially starting with about four robot vacuums, Wyatt’s enthusiasm led them to currently own over 50. Sara laughed about the noise levels in their home, reminiscing, “At the time, he was wanting to run them all day long. We would have vacuums running; nobody could hear anything.” Recognising the need for a more organised approach, Sara’s father proposed a solution: they would dedicate one hour each day to experiment with the vacuums and play games, a change that would inadvertently kickstart their YouTube channel, “Wyatt’s World of Roombas.”
As the YouTube channel began to gain traction, Sara sought support from her local community, requesting broken or old Roombas. The response was overwhelming, with many families choosing to let Wyatt keep the vacuums he repaired. Over time, the Biggs family started receiving brand offers, allowing Wyatt to review various robotic vacuums on their channel. His personal favourite appears to be the Roborock Saros Z70, which features a robotic arm, illustrating how deeply embedded this passion has become.
However, Wyatt’s affinity for robot vacuums extended beyond mere collection and experimentation. As his interest flourished, he began to express a desire for merchandise featuring his beloved devices. “I want a Roomba backpack,” he insisted to Sara while shopping for school supplies, only to find nothing on the market that matched his request. This prompted Sara to launch an Etsy shop, producing a range of Roomba-themed items including T-shirts, lunchboxes, and backpacks. Initially intended as a side project to supplement the family income, the shop has thrived, achieving impressive monthly profits.
Sara’s venture into creating content on social media has resulted in several unexpected connections with other parents. She noted that many families with similar experiences reached out to share their stories, expressing relief at discovering other children who shared Wyatt’s passions. “I realised there was this whole subculture of kids that were fascinated by robot vacuums,” she stated, highlighting how Wyatt’s enthusiasm has provided reassurance to other parents concerned about their children’s unique interests.
The family has not only embraced Wyatt’s fascination but have also creatively channeled it into writing a children’s book titled “Robbie the Robot Vacuum and His Big Adventure.” Both Wyatt and Sawyer contributed to the character designs and even envisioned a plush toy to accompany the narrative. Recently, they expanded their online presence to TikTok and Instagram, sharing entertaining videos that showcase their extensive collection with an enthusiastic audience.
As the Biggs family settles into a spacious new home, the walls are lined not with decorations, but with a multitude of robot vacuums. “We know it’s not going to last forever, but this is where we are in our lives, and that’s okay,” Sara reflects philosophically on their unique situation. Plans for expanding the Etsy shop continue, as they contemplate a series of books based on Wyatt’s adventures.
Looking to the future, Wyatt has developed a burgeoning interest in 3D printing and continues to immerse himself in the world of robotics, demonstrating an engineering mindset that may one day shape his career path. As this remarkable journey unfolds, the Biggs family remains united by the warmth and joy that Wyatt’s fascination with robot vacuums has unexpectedly fostered within their lives.