iRobot launches eight new Roombas and finally adds lidar mapping – The Verge

🔍 Summary:

In a bold move to revitalize its brand after a challenging 2024, iRobot has unveiled a significant overhaul of its robotic vacuum line, introducing eight new models that depart from the traditional Roomba design. This launch, the largest in iRobot’s history, includes models priced from $299 to $999, featuring advanced technologies such as lidar navigation for enhanced mapping and a new iRobot app that supports real-time cleaning views.

The new Roombas, available in black and white, will be up for pre-order starting March 18th in the US and select European markets. They boast features like dual spinning mopping pads, a first for iRobot, and various innovations such as an ultrasonic carpet detection sensor and multiple water flow levels for mopping. The lineup also introduces a dust compactor technology and a multifunction dock that washes, dries, and refills mop tanks.

Despite these advancements, iRobot’s suction power specs, at 7,000Pa, remain lower than competitors like Roborock, which offers models with up to 22,000Pa. The new Roombas also feature lidar-based mapping, virtual keep-out zones, and automatic carpet detection, significantly enhancing their functionality over previous models.

This strategic shift, described as an “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” approach by new CEO Gary Cohen, aims to make iRobot competitive against rising Chinese manufacturers and aligns with consumer demands for high-tech cleaning solutions. The company hopes that by adopting technologies already popular among competitors and maintaining competitive pricing, it can leverage the strong Roomba brand to regain market strength.

📌 Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/627751/irobot-launches-eight-new-roombas-with-lidar-room-mapping