iRobot just launched four new Roomba models to reimagine its entire product line

iRobot has been known as a robot vacuum standard since its launch over 20 years ago. Today the company announced a complete redesign of almost its entire product line, with new entry-level, midrange, and high-end robot vacuums. Almost every model features an AutoEmpty Dock and mopping variant to round out the Roomba catalog. 

The new Roombas include the 105 model and 105 Combo starting at $299, the Roomba 205 DustCompactor and a Combo variant starting at $449, the Plus 405 Combo Robot and AutoWash Dock at $799, and the Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot and AutoWash Dock at $999.

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iRobot is looking to this launch to simplify and better clarify its product line for consumers by giving the products more specific tiers according to their capabilities. Now, iRobot models will be classified into the entry-level Roomba, midrange Roomba Plus, and flagship Roomba Max. Similarly, the robot vacuums will have a Vac and Combo variant, the latter for robot vacuum and mops combination robots. Additionally, iRobot will feature an optional AutoEmpty dock for the Roomba 105.

“The launch of these robots represents more than the consistent progress of our exceptional innovation team,” said Gary Cohen, iRobot CEO. 

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“They underscore the return of iRobot as the category creator and our leadership position that was established more than three decades ago. Last year, we reinvented our iRobot Research & Development Labs, and these robots are the result of our world-class engineers’ and designers’ brilliance.”

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Some of the biggest evidence of reinvention includes a new look for the robots with a geometric design and a protruding set of LiDAR sensors in all but the Roomba 205, which is a first for the brand. Though iRobot maintains the Roomba Combo 10 Max as its flagship robot vacuum, this will also be the only device to feature the retractable mop pad with mechanical arms. 

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Here is how iRobot is laying out its new lineup of robot vacuums:

While the Roomba 105 and 205 Combo variants will feature the iRobot mop pad, the midrange Plus 405 and 505 will be the first to feature rotating mop pads. These mop pads have been commonplace in other brands of robot vacuum and mops for several years, many of which are now shifting to mop rollers instead of pads. iRobot says most of the changes were made following customer feedback.

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The Roomba 205 stands out from the lineup for having a compactor built into the robot’s dustbin. The Roomba 205 DustCompactor is available with a vacuum-only variation and a Combo variation, which also has the mopping feature. The DustCompactor in the dustbin pushes collected dust and debris to one side, making room for more dust in the next cleaning. Though your mileage may vary, the feature can pack away months’ worth of dust. This approach means you don’t have to empty the dustbin after each cleaning and can have a charging dock with a small footprint, thanks to the lack of a self-empty feature. 

All new Roomba models and their variations will be available for pre-sale on March 18 at iRobot.com.

Source: Robotics - zdnet.com