iRobot’s Roomba Combo j7+ Robot Vacuum and Mop Promises No Wet Carpets

iRobot today introduced the Roomba Combo j7+(Opens in a new window), which it claims is the world’s most advanced 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop.

The Combo j7+ is designed to handle a mixture of carpets, rugs, and hard floors, but what iRobot hopes will make it stand out from the competition is the robot’s ability to vacuum and mop in a single cleaning job. There’s no need to manually attach a mop pad after vacuuming as this robot uses a novel solution to perform both tasks.

Being able to mop and vacuum means keeping the wet mop away from carpet, which the Combo j7+ does by retracting the mop and positioning it on top of the robot when carpet is detected.

(Credit: iRobot)

The Combo j7+ ships with iRobot OS 5.0(Opens in a new window) and the PrecisionVision Navigation system to accurately figure out where it is and what it’s looking at. The robot cleaner can identify more than 80 common household objects, which enables owners to ask it to clean specific areas (e.g. around dishwashers, toilets, and litter boxes) while avoiding common hazards (cords, shoes, pet bowls, etc.).

It’s also possible to control the Combo j7+ with your voice and around 600 supported voice commands. This can be achieved using the iRobot app, but Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri are also supported. Skipping a room simply requires using a voice command or pressing the Skip button in the iRobot app.

On iOS, Siri Shortcuts can be created for directed room cleaning and saved favorites. “Hey Siri, clean after dinner,” for example, will clean designated rooms you associate with that favorite.

iRobot tried to make the Combo j7+ as automated as possible, and the included Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal system allows the robot to empty itself repeatedly. The dirt is deposited into a bag that doesn’t need replacing for up to 60 days. And as long as a mop pad is attached and the mopping solution tank is full, the robot will automatically perform its mopping duties until more solution or a new pad is required.

The Roomba Combo j7+ is available to order today from iRobot.com for $1,099. Orders will start shipping on Oct. 4. You’ll also be able to order one from select retailers across North America in October. Those of you located in Canada and Europe will be able to place an order from Oct. 4.

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