Oct. 1, 2005—If German textiles company Vorwerk Teppichwerke and chip maker Infineon Technologies have their way, you'll soon see a robot scurrying around your office.

The company's Smart Carpet System features a robot equipped with an RFID interrogator that navigates floor spaces by reading passive tags integrated into a carpet in a grid pattern.

The Smart Carpet System, from Vorwerk Teppichwerke and Infineon Technologies.

The system is designed as a self-propelled vacuum cleaner for large office buildings, but it could also be used to transport items, such as food and linens in hospitals.

The Smart Carpet System should be available at the end of 2006—just in time to tidy up for the office holiday party.