iRobot Models

Robots such as the Roomba that are outfitted with powerful sensors and hardware can collect a huge amount of data. However, their privacy policies typically conceal the fact that humans are looking at the data.

A policy for the mop and vacuum combo Combo J9+, for example, states that human observers are looking at images of carpets or other obstacles. These images help improve the device's obstacle avoidance algorithms.

Roomba i3 EVO

The i3 EVO is the ideal robot vacuum for bare floors, as it does an excellent job picking up small debris and crumbs off floors that aren't. It also does a great job with pet hair, but it isn't able to remove huge clumps of hair on carpeting. Its biggest drawback is the high recurring cost.

The Roomba I3 EVO is similar to the i1 but has one major upgrade that is imprint smart mapping. This technology allows Revolutionize Your Cleaning Routine with iRobot Roomba i5+ robot to better clean by keeping track of specific rooms in your home. You can even label rooms using the buttons on the i3 EVO or use the irobot app to create virtual boundary lines that help prevent the robot from cleaning areas you don't want it to. The i3 EVO has the largest dustbin of all the robots that we evaluated at 0.5 Liters.

The i3 EVO, as most robots requires regular maintenance in order to perform correctly. iRobot suggests cleaning the brushes at least twice every week if you have pets. Flip the robot over and press the green button to let the brushes go. Then, take the brushes and gently wipe them down with microfiber cloth. You should also wipe down the six sensors spanning the bottom of the robot.

When you purchase a brand new Roomba, you should also be aware that the filters and Robotvacuummops brushes supplied by the manufacturer need to be changed regularly. You can track the status of these components by checking the Product Health tab in the irobot app. The i3 EVO's filters should be replaced every two months and the brushes should be replaced every six to 12 months.

iRobot's patented Dirt Detect Technology uses sensors to identify areas that are dirty and increase suction power in those areas. This feature is especially useful in homes with a lot of furniture as it helps the robot avoid getting stuck beneath objects and ensures that all surfaces are cleaned. The i3 EVO also works with Alexa and lets you control it via voice commands. However, it does not have the same obstacle-avoidance features that are found in higher-end models like the i8+, j7+, and the s9+.

Roomba 694

The Roomba 694 is an excellent entry-level robot vacuum. It's small enough to fit under the majority of furniture, and is extremely thorough in its cleaning. It works well on bare flooring and picks up pet hair easily (though not as efficiently as higher-end models). It is not fully automated and isn't compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant.

The 694 is powered by a lithium-ion user-replaceable battery that takes about two hours to fully charge while the bot is docked at Home Base. Once fully recharged, the 694 can continue where it left off during the last cleaning session or start a new one. It is equipped with an RCON and infrared sensor that keep it from stepping on the stairs.

This Roomba is available in red, white, or black. Its round ninja-like shape is highlighted by the matte black plastic around the sides and an iRobot logo on the top. The center of the robot has an enormous button that reads "Clean" written in green text. Home and spot cleaning buttons are arranged around it. A light on top of the screen shows battery levels: a green outline means it has sufficient power, and the red color indicates that it's at a low level or on the charger.

Although the Roomba 694 doesn't have a self-emptying feature as the more expensive models however, it does a great job of emptying its own dustbin every time it goes back to Home Base. The bin can hold around 60 days worth of trash. It's easy to empty it manually. Simply press the release button, then slide it out and dump it in the garbage.

The iRobot App is required to use the 694. It allows you to alter cleaning schedules and track the past history of cleaning sessions. You can also set up virtual boundary markers for the robot to stay clear of specific areas of your home, and schedule cleanings ahead of time. The app can suggest extra cleanings during pollen season which is in full swing, or when you have pets that shed a lot.

Roomba 980

The 980, one of iRobot's newer robots is controlled primarily by an official app for iPhone or Android. This app connects it to your home's WiFi. This means that no matter where you are -- whether down the block, across town or a thousand miles away you can instruct the 980 to start up cleaning sessions.

The app allows you to do other cool things, like scheduling multiple cleaning sessions per day and changing settings such as which surface it should focus on during a given session. You can also set the cleaner to automatically return to its charging station if it's full this feature will make the 980 particularly useful if you regularly leave it to clean on your way out to work.

The 980, as with other Roomba models in the past, utilizes a set of sensors to navigate through your home. The iAdapt 2.0 navigation system is able to map your home as it travels by recognizing distinct visual characteristics and creating a picture-based map that allows the robot to navigate more efficiently. The 980 is now able to skip areas it has already cleaned and is much more intelligent when it comes to bumping into furniture or other obstacles.

A variety of cutting-edge cleaning sensors will assist the 980 in getting the job done. The multi-surface brushes on the robot are made to pick up large amounts of dirt and debris, and the smart Power Boost function increases the power of the vacuum when it is cleaning the carpets. The robot can also be controlled using the included remote or voice commands thanks to its integration with Google Assistant and Alexa.

The 980 isn't cheap, however, it's worth the money since it does a fantastic job of removing dust and other particles. The new battery technology allows it to clean longer than the previous versions. It also comes with an app that makes it easy to schedule cleaning sessions. The only thing not right with the 980 is that it doesn't come with a spare battery. If yours dies, you will have purchase a replacement.

Roomba 960

iRobot 960 is the most popular model currently available and is a great choice for those looking for an effective robot vacuum that has many smart features. The robot can be activated by pressing a button, by using the app, or even using voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant. It can be scheduled to clean at after a set time.

The 960 is a great choice for both bare and carpeted floors. Its iAdapt sensors adapt to the floor and its dual rubber brush picks up pet hair without tangling. It also includes a bin sensor that informs users when the bin is close to being full. It also makes use of the iRobot Home app to control the robot and establish cleaning schedules.

Its navigation is flawless and it is able to navigate a large single-story house with carpeted and unfinished floors. It was able, in our tests to return to the docking station when a cleaning cycle had been completed. Its ability to map and detect dirt are also impressive, and it can keep track of the pattern of a particular area or even locate dirt on the floor. It can even get under and around a variety of obstacles, such as table legs and chair seats.

The drawback of the 960 is that it lacks the carpet boost technology found on the 980 and its carpet cleaning performance isn't quite as good as the standards set by other models in the line. It's still a great choice for most homes and comes at a reasonable price.

Like all robot vacuums, the 960 will need replacement parts for maintenance from time to time. The iRobot App keeps track of how often you should replace your filter, dust bin and spinning brush. In general, you can expect to spend around $35 a year on these replacements. You can buy replacement parts directly from iRobot or through third-party sellers.