Emptying a Robot Vacuum Is a Total Bore. iRobot Has Come Up With the Perfect Solution: Sticking a Dust Compactor Into Its New Roomba

  • iRobot has updated its line of robot vacuum cleaners with four new models.

  • Each model offers increased suction power and improved navigation capabilities.

  • One of the new Roombas feature a built-in dust compactor for added convenience.

Roomba robot vacuum
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jose-garcia

Jose García

Writer
  • Adapted by:

  • Alba Mora

jose-garcia

Jose García

Writer

Tech journalist. Head of new formats at Xataka and TikTok presenter. I specialize in consumer tech and video games.

70 publications by Jose García
alba-mora

Alba Mora

Writer

An established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.

319 publications by Alba Mora

iRobot, the company behind the popular Roomba robot vacuums, announced several new devices on Tuesday, streamlining the names in its product lineup. The company has launched four new models, each offering increased power and functionality. One of them even includes an intriguing new feature: a dust compactor.

Updated catalog. iRobot has restructured the naming convention for its Roombas. The catalog is now categorized into three tiers: Roomba, Roomba Plus, and Roomba Max, each followed by a numerical designation. These names represent the basic, mid, and premium ranges, respectively.

All the newly announced models are two-in-one robots, meaning they can vacuum and mop. They come with enhanced suction power compared to their predecessors, improved navigation capabilities, carpet detection, and faster mapping thanks to LiDAR technology. Additionally, some models feature PrecisionView AI, which includes a front-facing camera.

The Roomba 105 Combo. The Roomba 105 Combo.

Roomba 105 Combo. This is the most basic model. It has an impressive suction power of 7,000 Pa, which is up to 70 times more than the Roomba 600 series. It also features a mop and the SmartScrub technology, which until now was only available in the company’s high-end models. Customers can buy the Roomba 105 on its own or with a self-emptying and charging base, which can store up to 75 days’ worth of debris.

  • Roomba 105 Combo: $319
  • Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty Dock: $469
The Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo. The Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo.

Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo. This model offers a unique feature. While a self-emptying base is convenient, iRobot recognizes that not everyone has the space for it. As such, the Roomba 205 DustCompactor model incorporates the self-emptying base directly into the robot itself.

This innovative design includes a mechanical sweeping arm that compacts dirt as it enters the vacuum. This back-and-forth motion allows for more efficient storage, enabling the tank to hold up to 60 days’ worth of debris. This eliminates the need for an external self-emptying base.

  • Price: $469
The Roomba Plus 405 Combo. The Roomba Plus 405 Combo.

Roomba Plus 405 Combo. This mid-range model replaces the conventional mop with a double rotating mop system. This increasingly popular feature enhances scrubbing while protecting carpets, as the mops are elevated by 10 mm to prevent unwanted wetting. Additionally, this robot vacuum includes a return-to-dock function after recharging, which isn’t available in its non-Plus counterparts.

The base of this model features a waste storage system that can hold up to 75 days’ worth of debris, along with space for an extra bag. It includes a three-liter clean water tank and a 2.3-liter dirty water tank, as well as self-cleaning functions that involve washing and drying the mop.

  • Price: $799
The Roomba Plus 505 Combo. The Roomba Plus 505 Combo.

Roomba Plus 505 Combo. The most advanced Roomba builds on the features of the other models and incorporates a more powerful LiDAR system and an AI camera. This allows it to detect and avoid objects, furniture, and walls. The device also has two circular mops and an extendable arm on the right mop that helps it reach edges and corners more effectively.

The base is very similar to the Plus 405 dock but includes an exciting new feature: heated drying for the mops. According to iRobot, this system is faster and more effective. Notably, this model is also the only one compatible with the Matter protocol.

  • Price: $999

Availability. All new robot vacuums will be available for pre-sale starting March 18.

iRobot hasn’t announced any updates in the Roomba Max series, confirming that the Roomba Combo 10 Max with AutoWash will continue to be its flagship product.

Images | iRobot

Related | No Need to Wait for the Tesla Bot: This Roborock Vacuum Includes a Robotic Arm for Cleaning and Manipulating Objects

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