Better cleaning, better design, better robot vacuum
iRobot has announced two new robot vacuums in its Roomba line, the Roomba j9+ and Roomba Combo j9+, and they come with some serious upgrades over previous models. Not only are they more capable cleaners (they’re already looking like some of the best robot vacuums out there), iRobot promises that they’re a lot smarter too – with a prettier docking station to boot that offers both fashion and function.
Thanks to its new and improved real-time navigation, the Roomba can recognize a slew of common floor obstructions like shoes, chords, backpacks, and pet bowls and avoid them so it isn’t as likely to get into trouble while cleaning your home.
iRobot also says this new vacuum can tell the difference between pet waste and, say, a pile of popcorn. It’s something other robot vacuums may struggle with, and sometimes with disastrous consequences. The brand is so confident with the quality of its smart object detection that it has a Pet Owner Official Promise in which it pledges to replace any Roomba j9+ that doesn’t avoid pet waste.
Best of all, the Combo j9+ has the same improved mop design found on the Roomba Combo j7+ model. Usually, the mop attachment sits underneath the robot; it drops down when needed and rises up when not. However, even in the raised position, there’s not often an awful lot of clearance between the mop and floor so it’s not uncommon for the mop to brush along objects when your robot is straddling two surfaces of different heights – such as a hard floor and a thick rug. This can lead to some of the dirt transferring from the mop to the rug and other surfaces, turning your cleaning robot into a dirt-spreading machine.
Both the Combo j9+ and Combo j7+ have a mop that folds down from a compartment on top of the Roomba while in use, and when it’s done it folds back up – meaning there’s no chance of it accidentally brushing along surfaces it shouldn’t.
