iRobot’s new robovac adds multi-floor cleaning maps, adaptive navigation, and automatic dirt disposal. You’ll also be able to directly command the i7+ to clean specific rooms via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Cleaning is a chore, so it’s a good thing robot vacuums keep getting smarter.
Today, iRobot announced its new Roomba i7+ and accompanying Clean Base. And this time around, the world’s most famous robovac is getting some serious upgrades: multi-floor cleaning maps, even smarter navigation, and automated dirt disposal.
So far, cleaning maps and advanced camera-based navigation have pretty much stayed a premium feature for higher-end robovacs. That’s still the case here—the i7+ will retail for a whopping $949. The difference is that iRobot says the bot will be able to memorize up to 10 separate floor plans, as well as actually learn and adapt to your home’s layout over time.
According to iRobot, after a few exploratory runs, the i7+ should be able to recognize different rooms, remember where it’s cleaned, identify where it has yet to clean, and plan the most efficient path around furniture and obstacles. You’ll also be able to directly command the i7+ to clean specific rooms via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Theoretically, you could just say „Alexa, ask Roomba to clean the kitchen,“ kick up your feet, watch TV, and trust your robovac isn’t going to end up lost in your bedroom.
This might not sound exciting, but for anyone who’s watched a robovac haphazardly ping-pong around a room, it’s a big step up in hands-free cleaning. I got to see a private demo of the Roomba i7+ a few weeks ago and it was impressive to see the little bot correctly steer itself to specific rooms on command. And compared to previous versions, the i7+ is noticeably quieter—even when it’s running at maximum power.
But perhaps the coolest feature is iRobot’s new cleaning dock. It’s much taller and bulkier, but that’s because it has another vacuum built into it. The idea is once the dustbin is full, the i7+ will make its way back to the dock, where it’ll automatically empty the bin. The dirt gets sucked up into an enclosed vacuum bag that iRobot says will only need to be emptied once every 30 cleans.
But iRobot isn’t the only manufacturer looking to add customizable cleans to its flagship robovacs. Neato announced at IFA 2018 it will roll out a software update this fall to its Botvac D7 Connected that lets users create custom zones in their houses. According to Neato, you’ll be able to draw lines within Neato’s app to create areas for more customized cleaning. For instance, if your pup always leaves a mess after playing outside, you could create a „Puppy Zone“ around your back door and direct the D7 to just clean that area. Neato’s also adding multiple floor plan capability to its forthcoming Botvac D6 Connected, which we’re currently testing in the PC Labs.
The Roomba i7+ is currently available for pre-order, and is expected to start shipping Sept. 12. They’re expected to hit retailers later in October. And if you’re not keen on shelling out $949 for both the i7+ and the new cleaning dock, you can purchase the i7+ separately for $699, or the dock for $299.
If these features seem convenient, but perhaps too rich for your wallet, it may be a bit too early to despair. Last year’s premium feature was voice assistant compatibility, which you can now find on plenty of budget robovacs. Likewise, we’re starting to see virtual boundary lines trickle their way down to more midrange bots. If you’re patient, it’s probable that these high-end features could start making their way to more affordable robovacs in a few months. And if you can’t wait, check out our roundup to see the best robovacs for every price range.
