How Does a Roomba Work? Design, Navigation, Features

Disclosure: Links marked with * are Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases if you decide to make a purchase through these links – at no cost for you!

---

Since the invention of the first vacuum robots and the possibility to purchase them on the free market, the household helpers have enjoyed increasing popularity worldwide. Above all, the US company iRobot has been able to record a gigantic success with its Roomba cleaning robots. The smart robots are not only particularly efficient and powerful, but also have numerous other functions that facilitate their handling and make cleaning a breeze.

The latest technologies, brushes, sensors and learning programs make it possible for Roomba vacuum robots to independently recognise where they need to vacuum most frequently and optimise their route accordingly. Dirt and dust are reached and vacuumed even in the most remote corners. In addition, the robots can also be integrated into your Smart Home and conveniently programmed via voice control or mobile app.

The functionality of the Roomba robots largely corresponds to that of comparable cleaning devices. Depending on the series and equipment, however, they have special functions such as the detection of cables or animal excrement, which are not sucked in and thus hinder the work of the vacuum robot. Due to the integrated learning functions, Roomba vacuum robots can also optimally adapt their performance and working times to the requirements and wishes of their owners and thus do their work thoroughly, almost fully automatically and unobtrusively in the background.

What is a Roomba?

Roomba is the name for a vacuum cleaning robot from the company iRobot. Thereby one distinguishes between several different models, which however all belong to the service robots. Since its introduction in 2002, the Roomba robot has already been sold more than 15 million times and is thus considered the world’s most successful service robot.

Roomba’s success is probably due in large part to the fact that each model has evolved over the years. The latest Roomba robots can clean your home much faster, more effectively, more quietly and more intelligently than was the case just a few years ago. The cleaning process is now almost fully automatic and is constantly being optimised over time.

Using the latest software and hardware technologies, the robot’s cleaning times and routes can be integrated into your individual household and daily routines more accurately than ever before. Using the iRobot app, you can create detailed schedules and save them to up to 10 different memory cards as needed. The robot also uses its self-learning skills to detect areas that need special attention in real time and automatically adapts its route to the needs of your home.

Each Roomba model is powerful, quiet and integrates easily into your smart home using the app or voice control. For example, you can tell your Roomba to vacuum the living room while you’re out and find it perfectly clean when you get home. In addition to vacuuming, many Roomba models also have the ability to wet mop your floor and then automatically empty into a designated bin.

Where did the Roomba get its name?

The exact origin of the term Roomba cannot be determined with certainty. However, it is possible that it is a neologism made up of the English words “room” and rumba = Latin American dance. According to this, Roomba should give the impression that cleaning the rooms follows a certain rhythm and is just as easy and playful as a dance.

Who is the developer of Roomba?

Roomba is a vacuum robot of the brand iRobot, which was first introduced to the market in 2002. iRobot is a US-American listed company, which mainly produces robots. The Roomba is one of the company’s best-known products.

The founders of iRobot are Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle and Helen Greiner. They previously worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, and were inspired by their work to develop and sell robots. This is how the company iRobot was founded in 1990, which by its own account has already sold over 30 million home robots and has also been listed on the stock exchange since 2003.

How is the Roomba built?

Basically, vacuum robots like the Roomba work according to the same principle as all vacuum cleaners. Dust and dirt from the floor are sucked in via a suction nozzle and collected in a collection container, which is located inside the device. In addition, like vacuum cleaners, vacuum robots usually have special filters that can bind allergens from the air so that they are not released again during vacuuming.

Although robotic vacuum cleaners are now very powerful, this is not reflected in their size. On the contrary: modern robotic vacuum cleaners are so flat and compact that they can easily fit under your sofa, and at the same time can be effortlessly integrated into your household, including the charging station, without taking up too much space. The diameter of a robot vacuum cleaner is approx. 30 cm, the height is 7 – 9 cm.

In addition to the suction function, many robot vacuums can also help you wet mop the floors in your home. For this purpose, these devices contain a special water tank. For wet cleaning, a special cloth is simply attached to the underside of the robot.

When cleaning, most Roomba models allow you to choose between different cleaning modes. Depending on the mode, the robot then travels over the floor in a specific pattern and collects dust and dirt into the collection bin using rotating brushes and a suction function. Should the robot encounter a concrete or virtual obstacle, it automatically adjusts its route or stops and gives warning signals if it is not possible to avoid it.

How does Roomba know when and where to clean?

The software of robotic vacuum cleaners such as the Roomba makes it possible to define different cleaning cycles from which the most suitable one can then be selected. Especially for large areas, this can significantly reduce the cleaning time. Depending on the programming, vacuum robots can move through the room in a circular, zigzag or other pattern.

While the first robotic vacuum cleaners followed a fixed cleaning schedule, modern devices such as the Roomba have learning functions to continuously optimise their own cleaning performance. This allows the robot vacuum to “remember” when and where it needs to clean particularly frequently and adjust its route accordingly.

With the help of iRobot Genius technology, the robots have the ability to constantly learn and optimally assimilate their operation to your working hours. So you can enjoy a clean and quiet home during your free time, the Roomba automatically vacuums the floors in your absence and recognizes areas that need to be frequented particularly often. The robot can also sync with other smart devices in its environment and use their data to optimise cleaning processes.

So on the one hand, Roomba’s operating times and routes can be individually programmed and saved by you to adjust the cleaning performance to your personal wishes and preferences. On the other hand, your robot learns with each pass where, how and when it can clean your home’s floors best, fastest and most effectively without interfering with your work. This dual optimization can increase the efficiency of the cleaning process many times over the longer you use Roomba in your home.

What features does the Roomba have?

Depending on which version of the Roomba vacuum robot you choose, different components are included in the scope of delivery and the device software, each of which is responsible for different functions. For example, the Roomba i7+ has an automatic suction station that allows for almost fully automatic cleaning as well as a sophisticated voice control via the iRobot app or voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant. In addition, different cleaning schedules and modules can be saved on up to 10 cards.

The other models of the Roomba Robot Vacuum Cleaner also have their own advantages and special features. This is usually also reflected in the price – the higher the quality of the equipment and the more diverse the functions of the robot, the deeper you can dig into your pocket for a purchase. However, the investment pays off quickly, as with the help of the robots you can actually save a lot of time and energy when cleaning your own 4 walls.

For areas in your home that you want Roomba to avoid, you can install “Virtual Walls”. These need to be purchased in addition to the robot and use electrical signals to tell it which areas to avoid while cleaning. This works similarly to bumping into walls or doors, which results in an automatic course correction of the robot vacuum.

What’s so special about Roomba?

Roomba is a robot vacuum that is not only efficient and powerful, but also intelligent. Depending on your habits, the layout of your home and even the season, you can set individual cleaning programs that suit your personal needs. Roomba’s artificial intelligence comes from iRobot’s Genius software.

Another big plus: the robot can empty its collection bin into a special AllergenLock bag for up to 60 days without you having to intervene. Patented dirt sensors also automatically detect if an area is particularly dirty and program the robot vacuum’s route to clean it especially frequently. The Roomba’s powerful suction and patented 3-stage cleaning system also make it one of the most popular robotic vacuum cleaners in the world.

A special feature of the Roomba j7 and j7+ is the so-called P.O.O.P.. This promise guarantees dog owners that solid cat or dog excrement will be recognized as such by the robot and not sucked in. Otherwise, customers are assured of a new device.

Roomba has also proven to be very effective at removing pet hair. However, for the best vacuuming experience, the brushes should be removed and cleaned regularly to prevent pet hair from becoming trapped and attached. The more hair your pet sheds, the more often you should use Roomba.

How does Roomba operate?

The operation of a robot vacuum cleaner is very simple. It can usually be controlled in several ways, firstly by a button directly on the device itself, and secondly via remote control, which is usually included in the scope of delivery. Another option that makes the Roomba so attractive is the control via app or voice assistant, which is easily possible from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

What Roomba models are available?

The robot vacuum comes in three different series:

• The s-series is iRobot’s most powerful model to date and consists of the two iRobot models Roomba s9* and Roomba s9+*. Both vacuum robots have a 3-stage cleaning system with a particularly good suction performance as well as a user-defined cleaning control. The s-series scores with PerfectEdge technology, which allows it to reach and vacuum dirt and dust even in hard-to-reach corners of your home. The advantage of the s9+ model is that it can also empty itself.
• The j-Series features innovative navigation software. This allows the Roomba j7+* to detect obstacles like pet droppings or charging cords and avoid them in real time. You can easily navigate it to exactly where you want it, even when you’re not at home, using an app or voice command. In addition, this robot knows the optimal cleaning times for individual living areas, such as kitchen, bathroom, etc. and can make suggestions for your personal schedule.
• The i-Series* cleans in straight paths and cleans itself independently. For this purpose, a special collection container is installed at the charging station, which is made of allergy-blocking material and can therefore bind 99% of pollen or mould. Vacuum robots of the i-series are available in several variants, currently there are a total of 8 different models available for purchase.
• The e-series* has been specially developed for pet owners. The vacuum robot with its 2 rubber brushes is suitable for all floors and guarantees a particularly thorough cleaning. Filter systems catch up to 99% of allergens caused by pollen, mould, dust mites or pet hair.
• The 600 series* is an ingenious way to keep your home even cleaner. The double brush ensures that cleaning takes place in two successive steps and is therefore particularly thorough. The first brush loosens the dirt, the second brush transports it directly into the suction channel.

What features are available for the Roomba?

The individual models of Roomba vacuum robots basically all have the same function and the same design. The only difference between the models is the equipment.

Some variants of the Roomba, such as the iRobot Roomba e6 or iRobot Roomba s9+, come with a cleaning tool, which is not the case with the other models. In addition, the individual vacuum robots are also each equipped with different batteries, brushes, filters, software modules and charging stations. Detailed online comparisons of the Roomba robots’ features can help you find the right model for your individual needs.

Related questions

How do I clean Roomba’s brushes?

The brushes are best cleaned with a special cleaning tool or a comb. Optimally, it should be done after every 2-3 cleaning cycles.

How often do I need to replace the Roomba’s air filter?

To ensure optimal suction performance, the Roomba Robot Vacuum’s filter should be replaced every 1-2 months. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.

Is it possible for Roomba to fall down a flight of stairs?

All Roomba robots have built-in sensors that allow them to detect and avoid stairs and other hazards. However, malfunctions can never be 100% eliminated.

Read this article to learn why Roomba’s are good at avoiding stairs: Does a Roomba Sense Stairs? That’s Why It Doesn’t Fall…

How long does Roomba’s battery last?

In principle, a battery of the Robot Vacuum Cleaner can easily remain functional for several hundred cycles before replacement is necessary. However, the battery performance and service life varies depending on the series and model.

It’s also important to charge the battery for the first time: How to Charge a Roomba Battery for the First Time

How can I prevent the Roomba from getting stuck?

Optimally, all loose objects or possible “traps” should be removed from the floor in advance of cleaning. By observing the route of the Robot Vacuum Cleaner, potential disruptive factors can be identified.

Related Article: Roomba Does Not Vacuum All Rooms – Common Problems & Solutions

Conclusion

Robot vacuum cleaners are an ingenious invention for all those who spend a large part of their time outside the house and do not want to waste what little free time they have vacuuming. With the help of modern cleaning aids such as the Roomba robots from iRobot, the gentle and thorough cleaning of floors is almost fully automatic. The functions and features of the individual models are continuously developed and optimized to make cleaning even more effective and intuitive.

Thanks to intelligent technologies and software modules, the robotic vacuum cleaners continue to optimise their efficiency and suction behaviour the longer they are in a household. In this way, the shortest paths can be found to achieve time-saving cleaning. In addition, “hot spots” that are particularly heavily frequented and therefore more frequently soiled are also detected in this way and included in the route.

Modern robotic vacuum cleaners can no longer be controlled solely by an on/off switch or remote control. With a working Wi-Fi connection, Roomba can be controlled and monitored from anywhere using an app or voice assistant. This allows Roomba vacuum robots to be perfectly integrated into your own smart home. But it also works without Wi-Fi.

Since the development of the first Roombas in 2002, there have been a variety of series and models of the popular robot vacuum cleaner, which today guarantee the right device for everyone depending on their needs and budget. The price range goes from about 300 EUR for the cheapest models to Roombas for over 1,000 EUR. In addition, the respective spare parts for equipment and accessories must also be included in this calculation.

Roomba is the world’s best-selling robot vacuum. Its multiple functions and efficient operation make it a very useful tool in the home, and the latest technologies such as obstacle detection and automatic emptying or cleaning make it easier than ever to operate. Especially the models of the newer series clearly show how intuitive and intelligent today’s technologies are, and what a relief this can be for our everyday life.

If you’re not convinced yet, read this article: Is a Roomba Worth It? Pros, Cons & Costs vs. Benefits

---

Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
Disclosure: This website is the property of Martin Lütkemeyer and is operated by Martin Lütkemeyer. Martin Lütkemeyer is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to enable Web sites to earn advertising revenue through advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links marked with * are affiliate links.