I'm new to robot vacuums but it seems none of the ones on the market allow you to interface via a computer...

It seems logical to me that a robot vac would have a wireless network interface (and perhaps a video cam) so that it could be monitored and controlled remotely

Hi,
Well there is a new feature on the new roomba that allows you to interface with your computer check it out!
http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=198

The idea of an interface with a PC sounds resonable but who needs it, the roomba is designed to clean a whole room without outside controls. I own one and they work. I am happy.
Bill