Abstract: An autonomous machine is configured to explore the area in which it is located, constructing a map of the area based on information collected by the machine as the machine explores the area. The machine determines when it has returned to a previously visited position within the area. The map is corrected when the machine returns to the previously visited position, based on the knowledge that the current position and the previously visited position are the same.

Abstract: A clothes dryer comprises a main chamber (C1) for receiving clothes to be dried, an evacuating pump (P1) coupled between the main chamber (C1) and a secondary chamber (C2) provided with an evacuating pump (P2): the first pump (P1) is of a large flow-rate compared with the second pump (P2). Superheated cool steam may be injected into the main chamber (C1), serving both to heat and dry the wet clothes: the superheated cool steam may be generated in a water-containing vessel (30) in which a heat exchanger tube (12), coupled between the two chambers (C1, C2), is disposed.