Many robot vacuums from companies like Roomba have had the ability to both vacuum and mop. They typically lean toward the mid to high-end range of the spectrum and usually do an ok job at taking some of the stress off the user. However, there is still usually a lot of babysitting that needs to happen.
Either you have to keep up with emptying its small little bin every to every other use, or you have to pick it up and swap out a piece at the bottom to switch between vacuum and mop. However, what if you took both jobs and made them automated so that the user can walk away and worry about something else?
Even better, what if you threw in some of the nicer features, like detailed voice commands using Alexa or Google, or the ability to avoid messes left behind by pets and children? Now it just sounds like a dream come true.
Thankfully, one company seems to have the same dream. Well, they all do, but this one seems to be the first to the table with an answer. And that answer is the Roomba Combo j7+ Robot Vacuum and Mop by iRobot.
This is, by far, the most flagship model we have seen yet from any company. At least, it appears to be. We haven’t had a chance to use it ourselves just yet so I can’t share any personal feedback. However, when it comes to listed features, this model has it all.
It not only offers all of the basic options like the ability to map its environment, scheduling, spot cleaning, voice commands, and more. But it also offers advanced features like object detection so it doesn’t run over random items and drag them around (like cords, shoes, or god-forbid droppings from your pet).
Then it lays on the finishing blows by including a dust collection unit that allows it to empty itself while charging (reducing the number of times you have to deal with emptying it yourself) and the ability to switch between mopping and vacuuming all on its own during the same clean. The latter of the two, adding an option many have likely been wishing for since the first 2-in-1 hit the market.
That’s right! You aren’t imagining things–I just said that. The robot vacuum apparently can mop a floor and immediately retract the mop accessory and switch to the vacuum-only mode when it senses carpet. Not only keeping your carpet dry but reducing the interaction between bot and user.
Of course, there is still the question of maintaining the water use/collection bin inside of the robot. Water can usually be used up pretty quickly when mopping and you don’t want to re-use the same water on the next clean. So that will likely be the most maintenance you have to worry about, with an occasional emptying of the main bin from time to time.
This is quite exciting and I hope we get a chance to test it out ourselves as this would be a game changer (in my opinion). The next evolution of robot vacuums.
It does come at a price, which seems to be a popular cost for game-changing robot vacuums. It will launch with an MSRP of $1,099. This may be a little much for some, so not everyone will be able to walk away with one of these. However, if this falls within your comfort range, iRobot is accepting pre-orders via its website. The company will begin shipping next week (October 4th).
