Roomba Combo j7+ could be the best robot yet for cleaning your home
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iRobot, best known for its popular Roomba line of robot vacuums, has announced two big developments for 2022: a major OS update and a new model with a unique retractable mopping mechanism.
This news is the first major development we’ve seen from the manufacturer since the news broke in August 2022 about: the acquisition by Amazon. iRobot is also using the moment to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its first Roomba robot in 2002.
We spoke to Praj Shyamkant, Senior Product Manager, about iRobot’s new platform, the latest combo cleaner, and how we should feel about iRobot’s new owner, Amazon.
The convertible of the robot vacuum cleaner market
The most rousing announcement comes in the form of iRobot’s new Roomba Combo device; the Roomba Combo j7+. The Roomba Combo j7+ will retail for $1,099 in the US, £999 in the UK, and will be available in international markets in Q4 2022.
This isn’t iRobot’s first combo cleaner, but it sets the needle for innovation in cleaning technology.
With a cool new mop design, the Roomba Combo j7+ offers “seamless shifting”, with a retractable, top-mounted mop that automatically lifts and places when the machine moves from hard floors to carpets or rugs, eliminating wet messes. To save time, the device can also vacuum and mop at the same time.
This feature also means that users don’t have to regularly lift the robot off the ground to place the mopping pads when the vacuuming is complete. In addition, with pad detection and tank level measurement, users only need to look out for the notification when it’s time to refill the tank or replace the mop pad. If users can’t get to the device in time to do it for the next cleaning, the Roomba Combo j7+ will intelligently switch to vacuum-only mode.
In addition to this mopping mechanic, users can operate the integrated water pump, adjust the amount of liquid and the number of cleanings the robot makes room by room. The new integrated bin and tank means there is one easily accessible place to empty debris and refill cleaning solution, and the bin uses an automatic debris drainage system that does not need to be replaced for up to 60 days.
With all these features, the Roomba Combo j7+ appears to be one of the most low-maintenance, simplistic, yet advanced robot vacuums we’ve ever seen packed into one sleek and compact unit. We’re interested to see how it performs on tests, so stay tuned for our review.
Smarter cleaning for a smarter home
Many Roombas will also enjoy a major platform update, which has already been rolled out to devices.
iRobot OS 5.0 will be added to the already extensive list of features found in the system, which includes everything from personalized suggestions to voice commands and object detection. Previous updates added the ability to identify and avoid cat poop.
Based on the principle of “thoughtful intelligence,” the new update, Shyamkant explained, will bring improvements to existing features in the operating system, specifically for pet owners and families.
These improvements include more detectable objects such as pet toys, bowls and litter boxes, as well as family items such as backpacks. This, Shyamkant said, addresses a core challenge many homes have with robotic vacuum cleaners; the floor has to be spotless before it can even be cleaned.
In addition, with the update, vacuum cleaners will provide recommendations and improved cleaning around high-traffic areas in the home, including food bowls and litter boxes and large appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and toilets.
iRobot OS 5.0 will also see the arrival of active room skip, which users can activate in the companion app or via Alexa, and the addition of more voice commands. The update is available for new iRobot devices and for most older models, depending on the hardware. This includes the Roomba 600 series, the s9+, i3+, j7+ and m6.
Analysis
The increasing intelligence of robotic cleaning devices like this one allows users to be more hands-off than ever. Where previously using a robot vacuum for regular cleaning required proactive management (and much more clearing to reduce obstacles), we are fast approaching the storied future of fully automated and self-regulating homes – at least when it comes to vacuuming and mopping.
However, news of Amazon’s acquisition of iRobot is still relatively fresh, so the announcement of its smarter, more personalized robot vacuums could raise some red flags among consumers concerned about increasingly aggressive data-driven marketing.
We asked Shyamkant about the company’s stance on data privacy, and she explained that users must provide “explicit consent” when using iRobot’s PrecisionVision navigation or any of the data-driven features in iRobot devices. In a press release, the company states that it “does not and will not sell consumer data”.
Shyamkant added, “iRobot has always been very proud to be at the forefront of ensuring consumer data is highly secure and reliable, and that commitment will not change.”
“We will continue to provide transparency to our customers about how data is used and our services will always remain opt-in.”
While iRobot de Tüv South CSC (opens in new tab) certification to the highest possible standard, it is still a difficult pill for skeptical, looking consumers to swallow.
In-home mapping carries as many positives as negatives, especially for the elderly or disabled, and the kind of technology used here by iRobot could be the beginning of the end of decades of anticipation of the true smart home experience. As for the impact of the Amazon acquisition in general, we’ll just have to wait and see.