Vacuum cleaners started as relatively simple mechanical devices that had to be operated by hand. Today they (relatively) think for themselves and keep as away from asthmas and allergens. Read about evolution of vacuum cleaners.
Timeline of vacuum cleaners began with industrial revolution and it followed it closely. From mechanical variants over the internal combustion engines to electrical variants and even robots - vacuums changed through time.
Before mechanical solutions for cleaning floors, people used brooms but when carpets became common they needed something more efficient. It was too early for technology to sustain vacuum cleaners so it was a perfect time for a carpet sweeper to appear on the scene. Read more about history of carpet sweeper.
It had to happen someday: we have put a computer in a vacuum cleaner and gave it some level of intelligence so it can drive around the house and clean so we don’t have to. Robotic vacuum cleaners are still not perfect but have their advantages and will continue to improve.
Domestic robots, robots we keep at home, are not that uncommon. First ones appeared in the 1980s and were just a little bit more complex toys. Today we have more complex ones that can help us with daily chores like cleaning and mowing.
Street sweepers may look like a relatively modern invention but they appeared for the first time in the first half of the 19th century. Since then they become unavoidable and important part of many cities. Read more about history of street cleaning and street sweeper.
Mop is an old tool (earliest texts that mention it are from the 15th century) but is still used and improved today. New materials and mechanisms make new, more durable or easily disposable mops. Read about history of different types of mop.