iRobot is expanding beyond its 20-year legacy as a robot cleaner company with the launch of its first-ever handheld cleaner, the Roomba Electro Plus. This is part of a larger launch unveiled on July 7, which also includes five new robot vacuums that build upon the brand’s existing technology with improved suction power, navigation and self-cleaning capabilities.
iRobot launches the Roomba Electro Plus, its first handheld cleaner that disinfects without chemicals.
iRobot
Standout features of the Electro Plus include AI-powered navigation, self-cleaning capabilities and disinfecting without harsh chemicals. These are all designed to help save users time and make routine house maintenance easier.
“We really listened to consumers,” iRobot chief engineer Adam Pope tells Forbes Vetted. “It’s exciting to see these products coming to life here, solving real problems and adding new benefits for our customers across the lineup.”
About The Roomba Electro PlusRoomba Electro Plus 5-in-1 Disinfecting Hard Floor CleanerShop At iRobot
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A brand-new category for the brand, this handheld model is a five-in-one hard floor cleaner designed to vacuum, mop and disinfect in one pass—without the use of harsh chemicals. All that’s required is tap water; the machine’s technology electrolyzes it, creating a solution that the company says kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses and germs.
“The electrolyzing process happens while you’re mopping,” Pope explains. “It runs an electric current through the water…[which] helps to actually split up the water molecules and energize some of those other things that are in the water to create a new solution.”
According to Pope, the resulting disinfectant solution, hypochlorous acid, is safe for children and pets. Beyond its chemical-free cleaning system, the Electro Plus also offers several self-cleaning functions. It automatically refreshes the roller as it’s cleaning, and it comes with a self-cleaning dock that washes and dries the roller after mopping is complete. This cleaner is compatible with all sealed hard floors—not carpet—and it’s self-propelled to make the process even easier.
About The New Roomba Lineup
Joining iRobot’s existing lineup of robot vacuums and mops are five new models designed to expand on the brand’s existing technology.
iRobot’s latest generation of robot cleaners are designed to solve common consumer pain points.
iRobot
“The goal here was to solve problems, improve performance, and…[have] some invention of new technology that helps us do that,” Pope says.
Roomba Plus Tier
At lower price points than the Max tier models (more on those later), these robot vacuums still offer plenty of features that set them apart from previous iterations. One of the most noticeable changes is their slimmer design. “These products are 46% smaller than the previous generation…to get into more spaces within your home,” Pope says. “You’ll see improved performance, 2.8 times stronger suction…in a smaller package.”
The most affordable new product in the lineup, this robot vacuum-mop combo offers 2.8 times more suction power than its predecessor, as well as LiDAR navigation for mapping your home and an auto-wash dock.
This model offers slightly more suction power than the 415 (three times more than its predecessor) while retaining the same navigation and auto-washing features. It also has an on-board water tank for faster mopping.
The most powerful of the three Plus models, the 575 has 3.5 times more suction power than its predecessors. It also has the added feature of an onboard camera with PrecisionVision AI for even more seamless navigation.
Roomba Max Tier
Upgraded models of the previous 705 lineup, the Roomba Max 715 Vacuum and 775 Combo boast four times more suction power, plus built-in AI-powered cameras and enhanced anti-tangling capabilities.
This vacuum-only model can tackle all floor types, with 30,000 Pa of suction power. It’s an especially great choice for pet owners, given its Allergen-Lock bags that trap fine particles, and its anti-tangle brush system. This model also comes with an AI camera for improved navigation and easier setup.
This vacuum-mop combo features the same suction power as the 715 vacuum, plus a heated mop design to wipe down hard floors. It features the brand’s industry-first retractable mop to go over carpeted areas while cleaning, plus a 167-degree dock wash and heated spot cleaning for stubborn stains.