Wi-Fi-connected iRobot Roomba robot vacuums and Braava jet robot mops are getting smarter.
iRobot on Thursday released Genius 4.0, a software update that brings smart-mapping features to the midrange Roomba i3+ and i3, and new object-recognition abilities to the high-end Roomba j7+ and j7. The update also delivers room-specific cleaning preference options, Siri Shortcut integration, a child and pet lock, and a do-not-disturb feature to certain models.
Launched in 2020 for $599.99, the Roomba i3+ is iRobot's most affordable robot vacuum that can empty its own dustbin. The more affordable i3, and other Roomba models without a plus sign in their name, come with a traditional, non-self-emptying base station. Following the Genius 4.0 update, the i3+ and i3 will generate a customizable map of your floor plan in the iRobot Home app. You'll be able to label each room on the map, then send your robot to specific rooms by phone or voice for targeted area cleanings.
The i3 Series will also now offer cleaning time estimates, and support iRobot's smart charge and resume feature to juice up then pick up where it left off if it runs out of battery before completing a job.
These robots are also getting a name change. Going forward, the Roomba i3+ and the i3 will be sold as the Roomba i3+ EVO and i3 EVO, respectively, and automatically include the smart-mapping update currently rolling out to existing customers. iRobot is also dropping the price of these models to $549 for the Roomba i3+ EVO and $349 for the i3 EVO.
Meanwhile, the premium Roomba j7+ and j7 robots already use a built-in camera and machine learning technology to detect and automatically avoid common obstacles, such as pet waste, phone cords, shoes, and headphones. Following the Genius 4.0 update, you shouldn't have to worry about them getting stuck on clothing or towels left on the floor, either. As they do for other obstacles, they will now take an alternate route when they recognize fabric items blocking their way on the floor.
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Thanks to the Siri Shortcut integration, you'll be able to connect your Wi-Fi-supported Roomba or Braava jet robot to Apple's virtual assistant via the iRobot Home app, a common customer request. That will give you the ability to control it with voice commands such as "Hey Siri, ask Roomba to clean everywhere." iRobot vacuums and mops already work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.
At launch, you'll be able to start, pause, and send your robot back to its base with Siri voice commands. iRobot plans to expand the list of supported Siri commands in the future, letting you, for instance, initiate specific room cleanings by voice, as you already can with Alexa and Google Assistant.
The new child and pet lock feature, available via the iRobot Home app, will temporarily disable the physical Clean button on Wi-Fi-connected Roomba or Braava jet models, so Junior or Rover can't accidentally start a cleaning job. The app-based do-not-disturb feature will prevent the robot from cleaning during specified times.
Finally, the new room-specific cleaning options will give Roomba s9/s9+, Roomba j7/j7+, Roomba i7/i7+, and the Braava jet m6 owners more control over how their robot tidies up certain spaces.
"Need your Roomba to take an extra pass in the entryway where shoes are kept but quickly clean other rooms? No problem," iRobot explained in a news release. "Looking for your Braava jet m6 to dispense more cleaning solution when tackling the kitchen, but not in the hallway? You’ll be able to do that too."
The Genius 4.0 update will be rolling out to Wi-Fi-connected Roomba and Braava jet robots through the end of June 2022.